Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Fair Oaks California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Fair Oaks CA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account also. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part 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 help Fair Oaks CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare 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 involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly 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 manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Fair Oaks CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Fair Oaks CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fair Oaks CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to 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 prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Fair Oaks CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals 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? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Fair Oaks CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Fair Oaks CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Fair Oaks CA region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Fair Oaks CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Fair Oaks CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Fair Oaks
Enroll in the Best Fair Oaks Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Fair Oaks home. Paralegal training programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program 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 programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Fair Oaks California.
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