Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Napa California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Napa CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you locate the best program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be considered as well. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Napa CA is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be a good option for students living in Napa CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Napa CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Napa CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible 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 particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Napa CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Napa CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Napa CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Napa CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Napa CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Napa
Enroll in the Best Napa Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Napa residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Napa California.