Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Downey California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Downey CA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Some prospective students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Downey CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents 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 mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather 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 limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. 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 alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Downey CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Downey CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Downey CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Downey CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Downey CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Downey CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer 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 graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Downey CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Downey CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Downey CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Downey
Enroll in the Right Downey Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Downey home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, 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 career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Downey California.
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