Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Laguna Beach California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Laguna Beach CA and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Laguna Beach CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally 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 noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay 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 complex and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training 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 opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Laguna Beach CA is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Laguna Beach CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Laguna Beach 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 when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized 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 obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Laguna Beach CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Laguna Beach CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Laguna Beach CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Laguna Beach CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Laguna Beach CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Laguna Beach CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Laguna Beach
Choose the Best Laguna Beach Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Laguna Beach residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Laguna Beach California.
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