Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Marina California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Marina CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to take into consideration. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Marina CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Marina CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. 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 disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Marina CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable 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 training. 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. A number of Marina CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Marina CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Marina CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Marina CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, 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 as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Marina CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Marina CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Marina
Choose the Right Marina Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Marina residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Marina California.
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