Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Bonita California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Bonita CA and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Bonita CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including 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. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically 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 quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Bonita CA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Bonita CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training 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 reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Bonita CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify 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 Bonita CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Bonita CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer 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 provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Bonita CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most 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 Bonita CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Bonita CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Bonita CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Bonita
Enroll in the Right Bonita Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree 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 privacy and comfort of your Bonita residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Bonita California.
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