Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Chula Vista California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Chula Vista CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Chula Vista CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily tasks may involve:
- Researching 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
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically 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 start your career as a legal assistant in Chula Vista CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important 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 schools have become more popular and can be a good option for individuals living in Chula Vista CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Chula Vista CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching 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 select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get 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 receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Chula Vista CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Chula Vista CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Chula Vista CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create 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 wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Chula Vista CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Chula Vista CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Chula Vista CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Chula Vista
Enroll in the Best Chula Vista Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Chula Vista home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Chula Vista California.
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