Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near San Luis Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near San Luis AZ and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist San Luis AZ lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay 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 complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably 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 start your career as a legal assistant in San Luis AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and may be an excellent option for those living in San Luis AZ looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined 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.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the San Luis AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of San Luis AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few San Luis AZ law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the San Luis AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the San Luis AZ area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in San Luis AZ. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near San Luis AZ, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in San Luis
Choose the Right San Luis Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your San Luis home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school 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. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in San Luis Arizona.
San Luis Paralegal Programs | San Luis Paralegal Certificate Programs