Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Lathrop California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Lathrop CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Lathrop CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training 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 requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Lathrop CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for 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 comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be a good alternative for students living in Lathrop CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lathrop CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
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 can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lathrop CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Lathrop CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Lathrop CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain 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 reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Lathrop CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lathrop CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Lathrop CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Lathrop
Enroll in the Right Lathrop Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Lathrop home. Paralegal academic 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 universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Lathrop California.