Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near La Crescenta Montrose California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near La Crescenta Montrose CA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, 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 just how do you approach finding the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist La Crescenta Montrose CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting 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 carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able 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. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in La Crescenta Montrose CA is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in La Crescenta Montrose CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the La Crescenta Montrose CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected 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 targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of La Crescenta Montrose CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick 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 a few La Crescenta Montrose CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the La Crescenta Montrose CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the La Crescenta Montrose CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in La Crescenta Montrose CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near La Crescenta Montrose CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in La Crescenta Montrose
Enroll in the Right La Crescenta Montrose Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your La Crescenta Montrose home. Paralegal training programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in La Crescenta Montrose California.
La Crescenta Montrose Paralegal Training | La Crescenta Montrose How To Become A Paralegal