Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Baldwin Park California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Baldwin Park CA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing 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? Some potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics 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 exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job roles and functions, 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 Baldwin Park CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional 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 authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Baldwin Park CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Baldwin Park CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Baldwin Park CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Baldwin Park CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid 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 schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Baldwin Park CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Baldwin Park CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Baldwin Park CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Baldwin Park CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Baldwin Park CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Baldwin Park
Choose the Best Baldwin Park Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Baldwin Park home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Baldwin Park California.
Baldwin Park Paralegal Certificate Programs | Baldwin Park Paralegal Certificate