Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Prescott Arizona
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Prescott AZ, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, 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 Prescott AZ attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Prescott AZ is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be a good option for individuals living in Prescott AZ looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Prescott AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Prescott AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Prescott AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Prescott AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those schools that are within the Prescott AZ area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Prescott AZ. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Prescott AZ, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Prescott
Choose the Best Prescott Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Prescott home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Prescott Arizona.
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