Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Lomita California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Lomita CA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest 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 various other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Lomita CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps 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 begin your career as a paralegal in Lomita CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and may be a good option for those living in Lomita CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary 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 address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lomita CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to consider as well, such as 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lomita CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Lomita CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Lomita CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask 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 sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Lomita CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Lomita CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Lomita CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Lomita
Enroll in the Right Lomita Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Lomita home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types 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 school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lomita California.