Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right 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 selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many options? Some potential students start by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration as well. Later on in this article we will review 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 exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Chico CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to 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 transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Chico CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the advantages 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 Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and may be a good option for students living in Chico CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Chico CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Chico CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Chico CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Chico CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Chico CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length 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 as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Chico CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Chico CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Chico
Enroll in the Right Chico Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Chico residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Chico California.
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