Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Livermore California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Livermore CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at the academic alternatives that are available 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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Livermore CA is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Livermore CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure 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 dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Livermore CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Livermore CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Livermore CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Livermore CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Livermore CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Livermore CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Livermore CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Livermore
Enroll in the Right Livermore Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward 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 Livermore home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, 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 profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Livermore California.