Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Bellflower California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Bellflower CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at 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 hold comparable 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 classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Bellflower CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Bellflower CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may 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 boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Bellflower CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Bellflower CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. 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 critical aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Bellflower CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out 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 previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Bellflower CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Bellflower CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial 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 from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. 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 wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Bellflower CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Bellflower CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Bellflower CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Bellflower
Choose the Best Bellflower Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Bellflower residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide 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 choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Bellflower California.
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