Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Right One Near Eureka California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Eureka CA and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive 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 a growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Eureka CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, 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 Eureka CA is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 discuss the benefits 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.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Eureka CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting 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 obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about 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 environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Eureka CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 significant factors to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Eureka CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Eureka CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Eureka CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success 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 highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want 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 need to first consider those colleges that are within the Eureka CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Eureka CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Eureka CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Eureka
Choose the Best Eureka Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Eureka residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Eureka California.