Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Arcadia California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Arcadia CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, 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 many other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill 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 classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Arcadia CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, 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 could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Arcadia CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be a good option for students living in Arcadia CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least 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 thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Arcadia CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential 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 crucial factors to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school 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 get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Arcadia CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Arcadia CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Arcadia CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. 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 wish to first look at those schools that are within the Arcadia CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary 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 supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Arcadia CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Arcadia CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Arcadia
Choose the Best Arcadia Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Arcadia residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Arcadia California.