Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Hawaiian Gardens California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Hawaiian Gardens CA and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account too. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at 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 Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Hawaiian Gardens CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including 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. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay 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 very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Hawaiian Gardens CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many 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 earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for students living in Hawaiian Gardens CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Hawaiian Gardens CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. 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 crucial factors to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Hawaiian Gardens CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Hawaiian Gardens CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear 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 Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Hawaiian Gardens CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing 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 undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Hawaiian Gardens CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hawaiian Gardens CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Hawaiian Gardens CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Hawaiian Gardens
Enroll in the Right Hawaiian Gardens Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial 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 at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Hawaiian Gardens home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Hawaiian Gardens California.
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