Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Los Gatos California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Los Gatos CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you locate the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, 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 considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have 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 for the most part both hold 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 belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Los Gatos CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted 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 apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education 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 academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Los Gatos CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate 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 discuss 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 Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be an excellent option for students living in Los Gatos CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Los Gatos CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few 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 Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Los Gatos CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select 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 contact some Los Gatos CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Los Gatos CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating 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 wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Los Gatos CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Los Gatos CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Los Gatos CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Los Gatos
Enroll in the Right Los Gatos Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Los Gatos home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Los Gatos California.
Los Gatos Paralegal Certificate Programs | Los Gatos Paralegal Certificate