Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Castaic California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Castaic CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be considered as well. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Castaic CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents 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 follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability 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 essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Castaic CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Castaic CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Castaic CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized organization 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Castaic CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Castaic CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Castaic CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good 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 sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Castaic CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Castaic CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Castaic CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Castaic
Choose the Best Castaic Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Castaic residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of 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 examine each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Castaic California.
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