Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Larkspur California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Larkspur CA and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? A number of potential students start by looking 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 very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Larkspur CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Larkspur CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and may be an excellent option for students living in Larkspur CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may 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 obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Larkspur CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn 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 also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Larkspur CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Larkspur CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Larkspur CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Larkspur CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Larkspur CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Larkspur CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Larkspur
Choose the Best Larkspur Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Larkspur home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Larkspur California.