Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Moorpark California
Once you have decided 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 crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? Some potential students start by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program should be considered too. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and functions, only 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 assist Moorpark CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep 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 involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants 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 volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education 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 educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Moorpark CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Moorpark CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Moorpark CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Moorpark CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Moorpark CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Moorpark CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Moorpark CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Moorpark CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Moorpark CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Moorpark
Choose the Best Moorpark Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Moorpark home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Moorpark California.