Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Imperial California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Imperial CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into account also. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, 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 legal assistants and paralegals assist Imperial CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients 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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Imperial CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Imperial CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Imperial CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree 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 already covered, there are other important aspects to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Imperial CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Imperial CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Imperial CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out 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 large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Imperial CA area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Imperial CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Imperial CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Imperial
Choose the Right Imperial Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Imperial residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Imperial California.