Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Lafayette California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Lafayette CA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Lafayette CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help 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 just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep 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 rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients 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 educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Lafayette CA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be an excellent option for those living in Lafayette CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain 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 study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Lafayette CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lafayette 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 offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose 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 several Lafayette 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 the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Lafayette CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable 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 vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Lafayette CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Lafayette CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Lafayette CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Lafayette
Choose the Best Lafayette Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Lafayette home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lafayette California.