Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Pomona California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Pomona CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into account as well. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Pomona CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
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 requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Pomona CA is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can 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 offered also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 address 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.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for those living in Pomona CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Pomona CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know 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 also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to research as well, for instance 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 investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Pomona CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Pomona CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Pomona CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing 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 great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Pomona CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Pomona CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Pomona CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Pomona
Enroll in the Best Pomona Paralegal Studies Program
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 option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Pomona residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Pomona California.