Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Paso Robles California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Paso Robles CA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices 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 comparable job positions and functions, 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 separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Paso Robles CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready 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 involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Paso Robles CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be a good option for students living in Paso Robles CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Paso Robles CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Paso Robles CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Paso Robles CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Paso Robles CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Paso Robles CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Paso Robles CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Paso Robles CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Paso Robles
Choose the Best Paso Robles Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies certificate program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Paso Robles residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Paso Robles California.
Paso Robles Paralegal Certificate Programs | Paso Robles Paralegal Certificate