Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Marana Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Marana AZ and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? Some potential students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program must be considered as well. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Marana AZ attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Marana AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations in the profession are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Marana AZ looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Marana AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Marana AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Marana AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Marana AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Marana AZ area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Marana AZ. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Marana AZ, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Marana
Choose the Right Marana Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Marana home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Marana Arizona.
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