Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Lincoln California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Lincoln CA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? Some potential students start by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, 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 happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered too. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions 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 different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Lincoln CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very 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 administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Lincoln CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and earn 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 as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss 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 legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in Lincoln CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lincoln CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential 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 critical issues to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation 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 ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School 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 can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Lincoln CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering 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. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Lincoln CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Lincoln CA legal community. 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 pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose 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 may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Lincoln CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received 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 also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Lincoln CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Lincoln CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Lincoln
Enroll in the Right Lincoln Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Lincoln residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, 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. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Lincoln California.