Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Best One Near Pinole California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Pinole CA and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive 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 a growing number of educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students start by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Pinole CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually 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 quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Pinole CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for those living in Pinole CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Pinole CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective 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 crucial issues to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Pinole CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Pinole CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Pinole CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Pinole CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Pinole CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Pinole CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Pinole
Choose the Best Pinole Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Pinole residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of 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 examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Pinole California.