Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Lemoore California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Lemoore CA and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. 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 prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Lemoore CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting 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 role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Lemoore CA is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be a good option for students living in Lemoore CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss 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 sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lemoore CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Lemoore CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Lemoore CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Lemoore CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Lemoore CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Lemoore CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Lemoore CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Lemoore
Choose the Best Lemoore Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Lemoore residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community 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. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Lemoore California.