Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Scottsdale Arizona
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Scottsdale AZ, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous options? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. 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 and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Scottsdale AZ lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, 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 wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Scottsdale AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be a good option for individuals living in Scottsdale AZ searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Scottsdale AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential 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 significant factors to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training 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 receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Scottsdale AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid 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 paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Scottsdale AZ law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could 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 attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Scottsdale AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose 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 initially consider those schools that are within the Scottsdale AZ region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Scottsdale AZ. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Scottsdale AZ, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Scottsdale
Choose the Best Scottsdale Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal degree school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Scottsdale residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Scottsdale Arizona.
Scottsdale Paralegal Training | Scottsdale How To Become A Paralegal