Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Cameron Park California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Cameron Park CA and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before 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 Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Cameron Park CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. 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 could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative 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 ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs 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 academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Cameron Park CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Cameron Park CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced 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 training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Cameron Park CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Cameron Park CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Cameron Park CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Cameron Park CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Cameron Park CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Cameron Park CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Cameron Park CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Cameron Park
Choose the Best Cameron Park Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Cameron Park home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Cameron Park California.
Cameron Park Paralegal Training | Cameron Park How To Become A Paralegal