Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Antelope California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Antelope CA and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same job positions and functions, 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 Antelope CA lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including 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 work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Antelope CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the benefits 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 Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Antelope CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs 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 caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Antelope CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a reputable 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 focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Antelope CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Antelope CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Antelope CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing 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 California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Antelope CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Antelope CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Antelope CA, make certain classes are available 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 process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Antelope
Enroll in the Best Antelope Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Antelope residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Antelope California.