Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Chico California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Chico CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. More and more 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 with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just 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 Chico CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their routine activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly 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 take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Chico CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Chico CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Chico CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Chico CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Chico CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember 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 an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Chico CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable 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 Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Chico CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Chico CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Chico CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Chico
Choose the Right Chico Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal training program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Chico residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Chico California.