Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Newport Beach California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Newport Beach CA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Newport Beach CA lawyers 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 based upon the type of legal firm where they work. 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 usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Newport Beach CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Newport Beach CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Newport Beach CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, for instance 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 investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Newport Beach CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick 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 some Newport Beach CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Newport Beach CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement 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 substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Newport Beach CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, 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 also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Newport Beach CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Newport Beach CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Newport Beach
Choose the Best Newport Beach Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Newport Beach residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Newport Beach California.
Newport Beach Paralegal Certificate | Newport Beach Paralegal Degrees