Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Right One Near Palo Alto California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Palo Alto CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be considered too. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training 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 requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Palo Alto CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Palo Alto CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as 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 may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies 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 considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Palo Alto CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Palo Alto CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Palo Alto CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Palo Alto CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Palo Alto CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Palo Alto CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Palo Alto 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, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Palo Alto
Choose the Best Palo Alto Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Palo Alto home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Palo Alto California.
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