Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near East Palo Alto California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near East Palo Alto CA and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be considered also. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices 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. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist East Palo Alto CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in East Palo Alto CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option 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 mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for those living in East Palo Alto CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the East Palo Alto CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of East Palo Alto CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few East Palo Alto CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the East Palo Alto CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the East Palo Alto CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in East Palo Alto CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near East Palo Alto CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in East Palo Alto
Choose the Right East Palo Alto Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training school is an essential 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 East Palo Alto residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in East Palo Alto California.
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