Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Oakland California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Oakland CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many options? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into consideration also. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
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 opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Oakland CA is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Oakland CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Oakland CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school 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 may also get 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 establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Oakland CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research 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 previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Oakland CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Oakland CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement 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? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Oakland CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Oakland CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Oakland CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Oakland
Enroll in the Best Oakland Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Oakland residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice 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 programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Oakland California.
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