Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Elk Grove California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Elk Grove CA and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? Some potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to 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 classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Elk Grove CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, 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 are employed. For 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 normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers 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 actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Elk Grove CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Elk Grove CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Elk Grove CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to 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 many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over 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 ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. 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 Elk Grove CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Elk Grove CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Elk Grove CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Elk Grove CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Elk Grove CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Elk Grove CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Elk Grove
Enroll in the Best Elk Grove Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Elk Grove home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Elk Grove California.