Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Sierra Vista Southeast Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Sierra Vista Southeast AZ and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you find the ideal program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many options? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, 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 comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Sierra Vista Southeast AZ attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Sierra Vista Southeast AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate 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.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Sierra Vista Southeast AZ looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials 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 ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about 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 formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Sierra Vista Southeast AZ area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. 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 previously discussed, there are other important issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Sierra Vista Southeast AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Sierra Vista Southeast AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Sierra Vista Southeast AZ legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially 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 secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Sierra Vista Southeast AZ area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Sierra Vista Southeast AZ. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Sierra Vista Southeast AZ, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Sierra Vista Southeast
Choose the Best Sierra Vista Southeast Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Sierra Vista Southeast residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful 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 presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Sierra Vista Southeast Arizona.
Sierra Vista Southeast Paralegal Schools | Sierra Vista Southeast Paralegal Training