Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Right One Near Malibu California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Malibu CA and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. More and more educational alternatives 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 with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have a look at the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Malibu CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations in the profession 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure 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 can be an excellent option for students living in Malibu CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous 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 in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to think about 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 investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Malibu CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special 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 education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Malibu CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, 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 practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Malibu CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish 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 wish to first look at those schools that are within the Malibu CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Malibu CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Malibu CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Malibu
Choose the Best Malibu Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Malibu residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Malibu California.
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