Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Hayward California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Hayward CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students start by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Hayward CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited 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 have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Hayward CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and may be a good option for individuals living in Hayward CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Hayward CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to research also, such as 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization 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 learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hayward CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select 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 Hayward CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Hayward CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Hayward CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Hayward CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Hayward CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Hayward
Enroll in the Right Hayward Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Hayward residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Hayward California.
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