Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near North Fair Oaks California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near North Fair Oaks CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered too. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your selection. But first, 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 vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold 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 different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist North Fair Oaks CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly 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 manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in North Fair Oaks CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be a good alternative for those living in North Fair Oaks CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the North Fair Oaks CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous North Fair Oaks CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few North Fair Oaks CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. 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 School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the North Fair Oaks CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent 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 sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the North Fair Oaks CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure 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 some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in North Fair Oaks CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near North Fair Oaks CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in North Fair Oaks
Enroll in the Best North Fair Oaks Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your North Fair Oaks home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in North Fair Oaks California.
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