Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Sierra Vista Arizona
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Sierra Vista AZ, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Sierra Vista AZ attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, 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 restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Sierra Vista AZ is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Sierra Vista AZ searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Sierra Vista AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential 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 critical factors to think about also, for instance 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 effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Sierra Vista AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose 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 call a few Sierra Vista AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Sierra Vista AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Sierra Vista AZ area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Sierra Vista AZ. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Sierra Vista AZ, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Sierra Vista
Choose the Best Sierra Vista Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program 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 choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Sierra Vista residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Sierra Vista Arizona.
Sierra Vista Paralegal Certificate | Sierra Vista Paralegal Degrees