Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Discovery Bay California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Discovery Bay CA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take 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
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Discovery Bay CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Discovery Bay CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and can be an excellent option for students living in Discovery Bay CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can 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 ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Discovery Bay CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school 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 might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Discovery Bay CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Discovery Bay CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Discovery Bay CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Discovery Bay CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Discovery Bay CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Discovery Bay CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Discovery Bay
Enroll in the Best Discovery Bay Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Discovery Bay residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Discovery Bay California.
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