Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Lodi California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Lodi CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Lodi CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions 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 trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Lodi CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Lodi CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized 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 training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Lodi CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential 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 important factors to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools 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 school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Lodi CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Lodi CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Lodi CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Lodi CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Lodi CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Lodi CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Lodi
Enroll in the Right Lodi Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies training school is an essential 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 at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Lodi home. Paralegal education programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Lodi California.
Lodi Paralegal Certificate Programs | Lodi Paralegal Certificate