Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Albany California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Albany CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students start by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into account too. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Albany CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, 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 are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep 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 quite 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 paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Albany CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be a good option for those living in Albany CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Albany CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Albany CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Albany CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance 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 Albany CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California 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 one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Albany CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Albany CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Albany CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Albany
Choose the Right Albany Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Albany home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Albany California.
Albany Paralegal Programs | Albany Paralegal Certificate Programs