Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Encinitas California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Encinitas CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered 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 responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Encinitas CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. 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 limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Encinitas CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for those living in Encinitas CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Encinitas CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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 as well. Numerous Encinitas CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Encinitas CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Encinitas CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Encinitas CA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Encinitas CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Encinitas CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Encinitas
Choose the Right Encinitas Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Encinitas residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your training 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 final decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Encinitas California.