Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Chowchilla California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Chowchilla CA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Many prospective students start by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into consideration also. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices 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 comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Chowchilla CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with 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 daily activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really 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 manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs 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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Chowchilla CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for students living in Chowchilla CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Chowchilla CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Chowchilla 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 accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Chowchilla CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor 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 a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Chowchilla CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance 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 well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Chowchilla CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Chowchilla CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Chowchilla CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Chowchilla
Enroll in the Right Chowchilla Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies certificate school is a crucial 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 privacy and comfort of your Chowchilla residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Chowchilla California.