Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Laguna Hills California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Laguna Hills CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school 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? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account as well. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Laguna Hills CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Laguna Hills CA is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned 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 as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and may be a good option for those living in Laguna Hills CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials 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 training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Laguna Hills CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must 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 certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over 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 final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training 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 Laguna Hills CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Laguna Hills CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Laguna Hills CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Laguna Hills CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Laguna Hills CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Laguna Hills CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Laguna Hills
Enroll in the Right Laguna Hills Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Laguna Hills residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Laguna Hills California.
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