Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Phoenix Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Phoenix AZ and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's have a look at the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Phoenix AZ is by earning a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Phoenix AZ searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Phoenix AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Phoenix AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Phoenix AZ law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Phoenix AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Phoenix AZ region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Phoenix AZ. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Phoenix AZ, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Phoenix
Choose the Best Phoenix Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Phoenix home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Phoenix Arizona.
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