Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Parkway California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Parkway CA and start your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just 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 too. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Parkway CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as 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 firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Parkway CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Parkway CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Parkway CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable 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 distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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 Parkway CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based 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 call several Parkway CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Parkway CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Parkway CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Parkway CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Parkway CA, make sure 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 makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Parkway
Enroll in the Right Parkway Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Parkway residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Parkway California.