Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Barstow California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Barstow CA and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Barstow CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Barstow CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be a good option for students living in Barstow CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater 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 school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Barstow CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Barstow CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Barstow CA law offices 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 among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Barstow CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Barstow CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Barstow CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Barstow CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask 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 Paralegal in Barstow
Choose the Right Barstow Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Barstow home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Barstow California.