Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near La Habra California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near La Habra CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? Some prospective students start by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job roles and functions, only 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 paralegals and legal assistants help La Habra CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in La Habra CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may 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 boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in La Habra CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more 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 school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the La Habra CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of La Habra CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few La Habra CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the La Habra CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the La Habra CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in La Habra CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near La Habra CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in La Habra
Enroll in the Right La Habra Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your La Habra residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in La Habra California.