Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near Desert Hot Springs California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Desert Hot Springs CA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, 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 qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Desert Hot Springs CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, 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 level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since 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 Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Desert Hot Springs CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Desert Hot Springs CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Desert Hot Springs CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching 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 should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Desert Hot Springs CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal 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 make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Desert Hot Springs CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Desert Hot Springs CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Desert Hot Springs CA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Desert Hot Springs CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Desert Hot Springs CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Desert Hot Springs
Enroll in the Best Desert Hot Springs Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Desert Hot Springs residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Desert Hot Springs California.
Desert Hot Springs Paralegal Certificate Online | Desert Hot Springs Paralegal Studies