Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Long Beach California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Long Beach CA and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Long Beach CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually 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 quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Long Beach CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be a good option for those living in Long Beach CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Long Beach CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Long Beach CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Long Beach CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Long Beach CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging 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 substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Long Beach CA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Long Beach CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Long Beach 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 choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Long Beach
Enroll in the Right Long Beach Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Long Beach home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, 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 profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training 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 final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Long Beach California.
Long Beach Paralegal Certificate Online | Long Beach Paralegal Studies