Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Laguna Woods California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Laguna Woods CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? Many prospective students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, 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 help Laguna Woods CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Laguna Woods CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in Laguna Woods CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Laguna Woods CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to 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 most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Laguna Woods CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Laguna Woods CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Laguna Woods CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Laguna Woods CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Laguna Woods CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Laguna Woods CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Laguna Woods
Enroll in the Right Laguna Woods Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal degree school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 Laguna Woods home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community 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 career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Laguna Woods California.
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