Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Malibu California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Malibu CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest 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 example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Malibu CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Malibu CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Malibu CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Malibu CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable 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 focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Malibu CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant 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 rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Malibu CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind 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 give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Malibu CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Malibu CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Malibu CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Malibu CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Malibu
Choose the Best Malibu Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal certificate program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Malibu home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Malibu California.