Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Monterey California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Monterey CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be considered too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Monterey CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Monterey CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for students living in Monterey CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Monterey CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Monterey CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Monterey CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Monterey CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid 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 students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Monterey CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Monterey CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Monterey CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Monterey
Enroll in the Best Monterey Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Monterey residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different 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 selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Monterey California.
Monterey Paralegal Certificate Online | Monterey Paralegal Studies