Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Placentia California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Placentia CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Placentia CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial 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 attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel 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. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since 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 on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Placentia CA is by earning a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal 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. A few of the highly regarded 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for students living in Placentia CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Placentia CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Placentia CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn 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 profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Placentia CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Placentia CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Placentia CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length 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 also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Placentia CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Placentia CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Placentia
Choose the Right Placentia Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Placentia home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Placentia California.