Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Queen Creek Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Queen Creek AZ and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Queen Creek AZ attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Queen Creek AZ is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations in the field 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and may be an excellent option for those living in Queen Creek AZ searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater 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 program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Queen Creek AZ area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Queen Creek AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Queen Creek AZ law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what 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 excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Queen Creek AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Queen Creek AZ region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned 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 might be available to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Queen Creek AZ. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Queen Creek AZ, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Queen Creek
Enroll in the Right Queen Creek Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal training program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Queen Creek home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Queen Creek Arizona.
Queen Creek Paralegal Certificate | Queen Creek Paralegal Degrees