Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Right One Near Fresno California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Fresno CA and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program 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 various other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Fresno CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for those living in Fresno CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fresno CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, such as 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 investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may 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 obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fresno CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. 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 program 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 contact a few Fresno CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Fresno CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high 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 students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those schools that are within the Fresno CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Fresno CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Fresno CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Fresno
Choose the Best Fresno Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal degree school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Fresno residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice 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 schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Fresno California.