Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Best One Near Modesto California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Modesto CA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Modesto CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, 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 might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Modesto CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Modesto CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive 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 attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Modesto CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected 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 training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Modesto CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Modesto CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Modesto CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Modesto CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Modesto CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Modesto CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Modesto
Choose the Best Modesto Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Modesto residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, 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 profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Modesto California.
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