Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Belmont California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Belmont CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable 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 are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Belmont CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday activities may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Belmont CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take 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 may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Belmont CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Belmont CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively 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 respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Belmont CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Belmont CA law firms 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 the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Belmont CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid 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 sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Belmont CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Belmont CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Belmont CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Belmont
Enroll in the Right Belmont Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Belmont residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Belmont California.