Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Laguna Beach California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Laguna Beach CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you locate the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program should be considered also. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take 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 positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Laguna Beach CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Laguna Beach CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Laguna Beach CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover 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 certain that the program and school you are reviewing 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 formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Laguna Beach CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating 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 select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Laguna Beach CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available 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 considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education 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 which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Laguna Beach CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. 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 may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Laguna Beach CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Laguna Beach CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening 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 program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Laguna Beach
Choose the Best Laguna Beach Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Laguna Beach residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Laguna Beach California.
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