Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Tempe Arizona
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Tempe AZ, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration as well. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Tempe AZ attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing 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 managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more apropos 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Tempe AZ is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Arizona to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Tempe AZ looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Tempe AZ area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Tempe AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Tempe AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Tempe AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Arizona or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Tempe AZ region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? 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 expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Tempe AZ. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Tempe AZ, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Tempe
Choose the Right Tempe Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Tempe home. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Tempe Arizona.
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