Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Montebello California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Montebello CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Montebello CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Montebello CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for students living in Montebello CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Montebello CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Montebello CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Montebello CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. 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 Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Montebello CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high 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 graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Montebello CA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Montebello CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Montebello CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Montebello
Enroll in the Best Montebello Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Montebello home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced 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 chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Montebello California.
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