Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Right One Near King City California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near King City CA and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous options? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program 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 such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into consideration too. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, 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 King City CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, 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 practice could assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs 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 academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in King City CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for 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 offered as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and can be an excellent option for students living in King City CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the King City CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous King City CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few King City CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide 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 provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the King City CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose 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 want to first look at those colleges that are within the King City CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in King City CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might 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 just attend weekend or evening classes near King City 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 enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in King City
Enroll in the Right King City Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed 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 King City residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, 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 career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in King City California.