Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Brentwood California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Brentwood CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Brentwood CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their daily activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since 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 on their own.
Paralegal Education 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 educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Brentwood CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be a good option for individuals living in Brentwood CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Brentwood CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Brentwood CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field 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. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Brentwood CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance 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 Brentwood CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high 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 students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Brentwood CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Brentwood CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Brentwood CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Brentwood
Choose the Right Brentwood Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Brentwood residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Brentwood California.
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