Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near North Hollywood California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near North Hollywood CA and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? Some potential students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help North Hollywood CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in North Hollywood CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be an excellent option for students living in North Hollywood CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure 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 study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the North Hollywood CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective 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 research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive 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 future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many North Hollywood CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some North Hollywood CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the North Hollywood CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those schools that are within the North Hollywood CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in North Hollywood CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near North Hollywood CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in North Hollywood
Choose the Right North Hollywood Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your North Hollywood residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in North Hollywood California.
North Hollywood Paralegal Certificate | North Hollywood Paralegal Degrees