Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Davis California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Davis CA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s important that you locate the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? Many prospective students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Davis CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Davis CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Davis CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Davis CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify 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 also. Numerous Davis CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Davis CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not 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 establishing contacts within the Davis CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Davis CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Davis CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Davis CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Davis
Enroll in the Right Davis Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 Davis home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Davis California.
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