Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Emeryville California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Emeryville CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. 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. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and functions, 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 Emeryville CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, 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 confined to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Emeryville CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Emeryville CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Emeryville CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Emeryville CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick 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 a few Emeryville CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Emeryville CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. 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 reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Emeryville CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Emeryville CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Emeryville CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Emeryville
Choose the Right Emeryville Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Emeryville home. Paralegal education programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Emeryville California.
Emeryville Paralegal Certificate | Emeryville Paralegal Degrees