Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Chino Hills California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Chino Hills CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Chino Hills CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional 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 offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Chino Hills CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 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 extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Chino Hills CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Chino Hills CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know 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 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 significant issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Chino Hills CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Chino Hills CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Chino Hills CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Chino Hills CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Chino Hills CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Chino Hills 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 offers that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Chino Hills
Choose the Best Chino Hills Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal training program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 Chino Hills home. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Chino Hills California.
Chino Hills Paralegal Training | Chino Hills How To Become A Paralegal