Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near Lake Los Angeles California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lake Los Angeles CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you find the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles 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 different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Lake Los Angeles CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their everyday activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training 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 prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Lake Los Angeles CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for students living in Lake Los Angeles CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lake Los Angeles CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, 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 researching so that you can thoroughly 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 school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education 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 Lake Los Angeles CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Lake Los Angeles CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Lake Los Angeles CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly 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 an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Lake Los Angeles CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Lake Los Angeles CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Lake Los Angeles CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Lake Los Angeles
Enroll in the Right Lake Los Angeles Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Lake Los Angeles residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Lake Los Angeles California.
Lake Los Angeles Paralegal Programs | Lake Los Angeles Paralegal Certificate Programs