Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Loma Linda California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Loma Linda CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many options? Many prospective students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account too. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options 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 responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Loma Linda CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Loma Linda CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get 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. Some 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Loma Linda CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional 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 a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Loma Linda 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 if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Loma Linda CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Loma Linda CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Loma Linda CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing 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? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Loma Linda CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Loma Linda CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Loma Linda CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Loma Linda
Choose the Right Loma Linda Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Loma Linda residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Loma Linda California.
Loma Linda Paralegal Courses | Loma Linda Paralegal Programs