Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right 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 choosing a school. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration too. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Bellflower CA attorneys with a wide variety 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 firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle 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 possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Bellflower CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for students living in Bellflower CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address 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 certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Bellflower CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential 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 aspects to consider as well, such as 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, 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 have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Bellflower CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Bellflower CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Bellflower CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Bellflower CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Bellflower CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Bellflower
Enroll in the Right Bellflower Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Bellflower residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Bellflower California.
Bellflower Paralegal Schools | Bellflower Paralegal Training