Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Right One Near Fresno California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fresno CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you find the ideal program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Fresno CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as 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 may help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main 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 otherwise.
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 educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Fresno CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be a good option for those living in Fresno CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fresno CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation 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 effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify 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 Fresno CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Fresno CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Fresno CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Fresno CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Fresno CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Fresno CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Fresno
Choose the Best Fresno Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying 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 comfort and privacy of your Fresno home. 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, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Fresno California.