Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Tanque Verde Arizona
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Tanque Verde AZ and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many options? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking 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 options that are offered 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 positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Tanque Verde AZ lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay 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 complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited 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 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 essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Tanque Verde AZ is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 cover the advantages 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.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Tanque Verde AZ searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Tanque Verde AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, including 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 considering 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 enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Tanque Verde AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Tanque Verde AZ law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Tanque Verde AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates 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 a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the 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 an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Tanque Verde AZ area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Tanque Verde AZ. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Tanque Verde AZ, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Tanque Verde
Choose the Best Tanque Verde Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Tanque Verde home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Tanque Verde Arizona.
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