Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Oxnard California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Oxnard CA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the right program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, 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 accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into consideration as well. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Oxnard CA lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing 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 managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather 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 clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Oxnard CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might 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 improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and may be a good option for those living in Oxnard CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss 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 sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Oxnard CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Oxnard CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking 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 Oxnard CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Oxnard CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success 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 corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Oxnard CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Oxnard CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Oxnard CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select offers 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 Becoming a Legal Assistant in Oxnard
Enroll in the Best Oxnard Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Oxnard home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Oxnard California.
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