Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Sierra Vista Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Sierra Vista AZ and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account too. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Sierra Vista AZ attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main 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 cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Sierra Vista AZ is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned 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 as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and may be a good alternative for students living in Sierra Vista AZ searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Sierra Vista AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know 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 most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Sierra Vista AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Sierra Vista AZ law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Sierra Vista AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. 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 a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Sierra Vista AZ region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Sierra Vista AZ. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Sierra Vista AZ, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Sierra Vista
Choose the Best Sierra Vista Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is a vital first step toward 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 comfort and privacy of your Sierra Vista home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Sierra Vista Arizona.
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