Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near Murrieta California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Murrieta CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Murrieta CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, 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 assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready 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 very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Murrieta CA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be acquired 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 also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want 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 boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be a good option for those living in Murrieta CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover 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 highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Murrieta CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable 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 distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Murrieta CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Murrieta CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School 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 provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Murrieta CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Murrieta CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Murrieta CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Murrieta CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Murrieta
Choose the Right Murrieta Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree school 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 participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Murrieta home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Murrieta California.
Murrieta Paralegal Certificate Programs | Murrieta Paralegal Certificate