Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near East Los Angeles California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near East Los Angeles CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives 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 responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help East Los Angeles CA attorneys with a wide variety 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. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs 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 academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in East Los Angeles CA is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide 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, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in East Los Angeles CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the East Los Angeles CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a respected organization 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 training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many East Los Angeles CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select 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 a few East Los Angeles CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the East Los Angeles CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the East Los Angeles CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in East Los Angeles CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near East Los Angeles CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in East Los Angeles
Choose the Best East Los Angeles Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your East Los Angeles home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in East Los Angeles California.
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