Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near La Verne California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near La Verne CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive 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 more and more educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered as well. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in La Verne 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 provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for students living in La Verne CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training 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 reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the La Verne CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of La Verne CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several La Verne CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the La Verne CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing 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 great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the La Verne CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in La Verne CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near La Verne CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in La Verne
Enroll in the Right La Verne Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training school is an essential first step toward 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 participate online in the privacy and comfort of your La Verne home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in La Verne California.