Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose 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 begin the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, 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 school need to be taken into consideration as well. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly 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 essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Napa CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. 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 could help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Napa CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate 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 school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for those living in Napa CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered 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 particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Napa CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Napa CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Napa CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those schools that are within the Napa CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Napa CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Napa CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Napa
Enroll in the Best Napa Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal certificate school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Napa residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Napa California.
Napa Paralegal Programs | Napa Paralegal Certificate Programs