Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Best One Near Fullerton California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fullerton CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. 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. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students start by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are various other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Fullerton CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers 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 rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Fullerton CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be a good option for individuals living in Fullerton CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss 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 sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fullerton CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fullerton CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Fullerton CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity 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 developing contacts within the Fullerton CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose 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 may need to first consider those schools that are within the Fullerton CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Fullerton CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Fullerton CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Fullerton
Choose the Best Fullerton Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Fullerton home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Fullerton California.
Fullerton How To Become A Paralegal | Fullerton Paralegal Certificate Online