Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Moorpark California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Moorpark CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be considered as well. We will address those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, 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 Moorpark CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific 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 might help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos 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 handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Moorpark CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for students living in Moorpark CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater 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 school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might 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 training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Moorpark CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Moorpark CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Moorpark CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, 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 enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Moorpark CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant 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 local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Moorpark CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. 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 assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Moorpark CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Moorpark CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Moorpark
Choose the Right Moorpark Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Moorpark home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Moorpark California.