Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Port Hueneme California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Port Hueneme CA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Port Hueneme CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, 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 administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Port Hueneme CA is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Port Hueneme CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Port Hueneme CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Port Hueneme CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Port Hueneme CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Port Hueneme CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Port Hueneme CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Port Hueneme CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Port Hueneme CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Port Hueneme
Choose the Best Port Hueneme Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Port Hueneme home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Port Hueneme California.
Port Hueneme Paralegal Studies | Port Hueneme Paralegal Schools