Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Greenfield California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Greenfield CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many options? Many prospective students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into consideration also. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives 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 fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Greenfield CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted 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 tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Greenfield CA is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be a good alternative for those living in Greenfield CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Greenfield CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Greenfield CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Greenfield CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Greenfield CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement 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 corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Greenfield CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Greenfield CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Greenfield CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Greenfield
Enroll in the Right Greenfield Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal training program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Greenfield residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Greenfield California.