Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Carson California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Carson CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, 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 different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Carson CA lawyers 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 work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping 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 very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
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 way to begin your career as a paralegal in Carson CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for 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 an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for students living in Carson CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Carson CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Carson CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out 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 prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Carson CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Carson CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide 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 probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Carson CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained 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 books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Carson CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Carson CA, make sure classes are offered 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 process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Carson
Enroll in the Best Carson Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies certificate program is an important 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 comfort and privacy of your Carson home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Carson California.