Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near Pleasanton California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Pleasanton CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, 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 factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Pleasanton CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be a good alternative for students living in Pleasanton CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Pleasanton CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Pleasanton CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Pleasanton CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Pleasanton CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high 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? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Pleasanton CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Pleasanton CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Pleasanton CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available 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 Becoming a Legal Assistant in Pleasanton
Enroll in the Right Pleasanton Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Pleasanton residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting 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 be able to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Pleasanton California.