Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Best One Near Lakewood California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lakewood CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into consideration as well. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Lakewood CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive 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 offered as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, 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 employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Lakewood CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary 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 address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Lakewood CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. 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 covered, there are other important issues to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain 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 standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Lakewood CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Lakewood CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Lakewood CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Lakewood CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost 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 minimize some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Lakewood CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Lakewood CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Lakewood
Enroll in the Best Lakewood Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies training school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Lakewood residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lakewood California.