Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Alameda California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Alameda CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics and other important 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 alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Alameda CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, 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 practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. 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 paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
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 educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Alameda CA is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and may be a good option for those living in Alameda CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education 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 respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Alameda CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Alameda CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Alameda CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Alameda CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering 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 California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Alameda CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Alameda CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Alameda CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Alameda
Choose the Right Alameda Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Alameda home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Alameda California.