Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Moorpark California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Moorpark CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Moorpark CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education 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 academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Moorpark CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 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 Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be an excellent option for those living in Moorpark CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Moorpark CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can 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 many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Moorpark CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Moorpark CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Moorpark 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 provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Moorpark CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Moorpark CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Moorpark CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Moorpark
Enroll in the Best Moorpark Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding 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 privacy and comfort of your Moorpark residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational 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 broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Moorpark California.
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