Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Lemoore California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lemoore CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Lemoore CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations in the profession 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Lemoore CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Lemoore CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Lemoore CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Lemoore CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Lemoore CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Lemoore CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Lemoore CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Lemoore CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Lemoore
Enroll in the Best Lemoore Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Lemoore residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Lemoore California.