Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Manteca California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Manteca CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Manteca CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Manteca CA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Manteca CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Manteca CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can 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 start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some 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 Program 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 program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Manteca CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Manteca CA law practices that you may have an interest 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 excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Manteca CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs 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 graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Manteca CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Manteca CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Manteca CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Manteca
Enroll in the Best Manteca Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Manteca residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Manteca California.