Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Napa California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Napa CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need 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 choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? Many potential students start by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, 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 the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be considered as well. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Napa CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys 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 role of a paralegal can be complex and very 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 proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs 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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Napa CA is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial 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 schools have become more available and may be a good alternative for students living in Napa CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Napa CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial 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 schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Napa CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Napa CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Napa CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Napa CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Napa CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Napa CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Napa
Enroll in the Right Napa Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Napa home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Napa California.