Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Lake Elsinore California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lake Elsinore CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s important that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, 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 alternatives? A number of prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Lake Elsinore CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role 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 proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Lake Elsinore CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Lake Elsinore CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lake Elsinore CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly 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 looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Lake Elsinore CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special 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. Checking that the school you choose 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 some Lake Elsinore CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which 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 give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Lake Elsinore CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Lake Elsinore CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Lake Elsinore CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Lake Elsinore 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 choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Lake Elsinore
Enroll in the Right Lake Elsinore Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Lake Elsinore residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Lake Elsinore California.
Lake Elsinore Paralegal Studies | Lake Elsinore Paralegal Schools