Paralegal Studies Certificate
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 selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many options? Some potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Laguna Woods CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other 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 give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases 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. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Laguna Woods CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for students living in Laguna Woods CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting 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 guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Laguna Woods CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Laguna Woods CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Laguna Woods CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Laguna Woods CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea 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 build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. 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 want to initially consider those schools that are within the Laguna Woods CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Laguna Woods CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Laguna Woods CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Laguna Woods
Choose the Best Laguna Woods Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Laguna Woods home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of 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 selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Laguna Woods California.
Laguna Woods Paralegal Courses | Laguna Woods Paralegal Programs