Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near Pomona California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Pomona CA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Pomona CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare 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 quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
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 fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Pomona CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Pomona CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Pomona CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization 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 focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Pomona CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Pomona CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Pomona CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Pomona CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Pomona CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Pomona CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Pomona
Choose the Right Pomona Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Pomona residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Pomona California.
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