Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Los Altos California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Los Altos CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many options? Some prospective students begin by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, 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 legal assistants and paralegals help Los Altos CA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Los Altos CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Los Altos CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least 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 looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Los Altos CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if 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 important factors to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Los Altos CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Los Altos CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Los Altos CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Los Altos CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Los Altos CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Los Altos CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Los Altos
Enroll in the Right Los Altos Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Los Altos residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Los Altos California.
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