Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Healdsburg California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Healdsburg CA, it's time to start 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 extensive 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 choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration as well. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Healdsburg CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more applicable 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, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually 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 Healdsburg CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Healdsburg CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum 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 considering are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Healdsburg CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Healdsburg CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Healdsburg CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Healdsburg CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. 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 look at those colleges that are within the Healdsburg CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Healdsburg CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Healdsburg CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Healdsburg
Enroll in the Best Healdsburg Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal training program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Healdsburg home. Paralegal education programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain 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 final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Healdsburg California.