Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Lakewood California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lakewood CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just 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 Lakewood CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their everyday activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Lakewood CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be earned 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 also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for students living in Lakewood CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Lakewood CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal 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 program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Lakewood CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. 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 quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Lakewood CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Lakewood CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Lakewood CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Lakewood CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend 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 school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Lakewood
Choose the Best Lakewood Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Lakewood home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Lakewood California.
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