Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Norwalk California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Norwalk CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, 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 accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Norwalk CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Norwalk CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Norwalk CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective 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 important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Norwalk CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Norwalk CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Norwalk CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable 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 may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Norwalk CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Norwalk CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Norwalk CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Norwalk
Choose the Best Norwalk Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Norwalk residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Norwalk California.