Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Camarillo California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Camarillo CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school ought to be taken into consideration too. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Camarillo CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases 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 requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Camarillo CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages 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 Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Camarillo CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Camarillo CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Camarillo CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Camarillo CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Camarillo CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer 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 most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement 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 sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to work. 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 investigate those schools that are within the Camarillo CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned 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 supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Camarillo CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Camarillo CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Camarillo
Enroll in the Right Camarillo Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Camarillo residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Camarillo California.