Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Livingston California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Livingston CA and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be considered too. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Livingston CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized 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 apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Livingston CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and can be an excellent option for those living in Livingston CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Livingston CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Livingston CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Livingston CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Livingston CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Livingston CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Livingston CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Livingston 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 enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Livingston
Choose the Best Livingston Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal certificate program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Livingston home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Livingston California.
Livingston Paralegal Certificate | Livingston Paralegal Degrees