Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Camp Pendleton South California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Camp Pendleton South CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you find the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same 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 help Camp Pendleton South CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps 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 paralegal in Camp Pendleton South CA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want 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 increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Camp Pendleton South CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Camp Pendleton South CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn 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 most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Camp Pendleton South CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Camp Pendleton South CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Camp Pendleton South CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Camp Pendleton South CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Camp Pendleton South CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Camp Pendleton South CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Camp Pendleton South
Enroll in the Best Camp Pendleton South Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Camp Pendleton South residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide 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 decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Camp Pendleton South California.
Camp Pendleton South Paralegal Degrees | Camp Pendleton South Paralegal Courses