Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near Newport Beach California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Newport Beach CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, 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 right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Newport Beach CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Newport Beach CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 school (we will discuss the benefits 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.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in Newport Beach CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Newport Beach CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate 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 searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to research 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 programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program 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 distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Newport Beach CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate 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 prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good 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 firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Newport Beach CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial 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 Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those schools that are within the Newport Beach CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Newport Beach CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Newport Beach CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Newport Beach
Choose the Right Newport Beach Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Newport Beach residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community 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 opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Newport Beach California.
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