Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Arvin California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Arvin CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be considered too. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered 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 same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Arvin CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their day-to-day 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
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more apropos 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 have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Arvin CA is by earning a certificate, which can 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 acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Arvin CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things 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 guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Arvin CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating 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 choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Arvin CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Arvin CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Arvin CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of 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, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Arvin CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Arvin CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Arvin CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Arvin
Enroll in the Right Arvin Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is an essential 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 participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Arvin home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Arvin California.