Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Petaluma California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Petaluma CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Petaluma CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as 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 work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role 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 action. 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 lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Petaluma CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired 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 obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and may be a good alternative for students living in Petaluma CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater 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 school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Petaluma CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 important aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Petaluma CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Petaluma CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Petaluma CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Petaluma CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Petaluma CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Petaluma CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Petaluma
Choose the Best Petaluma Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Petaluma residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Petaluma California.