Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Alamo California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Alamo CA and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable 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 are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Alamo CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable 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, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume 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 perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Alamo CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available 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 California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be a good alternative for those living in Alamo CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Alamo CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive 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 standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Alamo CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. 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 quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Alamo CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Alamo CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Alamo CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Alamo CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Alamo CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Alamo
Choose the Best Alamo Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Alamo home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Alamo California.