Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near North Fair Oaks California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near North Fair Oaks CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many 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. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be considered too. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, only 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 category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist North Fair Oaks CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in North Fair Oaks CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Although 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 as well. 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for individuals living in North Fair Oaks CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the North Fair Oaks CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many North Fair Oaks CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some North Fair Oaks CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the North Fair Oaks CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the North Fair Oaks CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in North Fair Oaks CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near North Fair Oaks CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in North Fair Oaks
Choose the Right North Fair Oaks Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your North Fair Oaks home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in North Fair Oaks California.
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