Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Olivehurst California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Olivehurst CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. 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 alternatives 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. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Olivehurst CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. 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 proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Olivehurst 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 provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Olivehurst CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training 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 Olivehurst CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about as well, for instance 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 programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should 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 targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Olivehurst CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Olivehurst CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Olivehurst CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Olivehurst CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Olivehurst CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Olivehurst CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Olivehurst
Choose the Best Olivehurst Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal certificate school is a crucial 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Olivehurst residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Olivehurst California.
Olivehurst Paralegal Training | Olivehurst How To Become A Paralegal