Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Lemon Grove California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Lemon Grove CA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Lemon Grove CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Lemon Grove CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be a good alternative for students living in Lemon Grove CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools 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 quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Lemon Grove CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 important factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Lemon Grove CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular 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. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Lemon Grove CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Lemon Grove CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools 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 offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Lemon Grove CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, 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 also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Lemon Grove CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Lemon Grove CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, 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 procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Lemon Grove
Choose the Right Lemon Grove Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Lemon Grove home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lemon Grove California.
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