Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Mira Loma California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Mira Loma CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Mira Loma CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs 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 educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Mira Loma CA is by earning a certificate, which may take just 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 numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for those living in Mira Loma CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Mira Loma CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider also, including 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Mira Loma CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Mira Loma CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Mira Loma CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those schools that are within the Mira Loma CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Mira Loma CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Mira Loma CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Mira Loma
Choose the Best Mira Loma Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Mira Loma home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior 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 prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Mira Loma California.
Mira Loma Paralegal Training | Mira Loma How To Become A Paralegal