Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Rancho Cucamonga California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Rancho Cucamonga CA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into account too. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Rancho Cucamonga CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather 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 paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Rancho Cucamonga CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for those living in Rancho Cucamonga CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Rancho Cucamonga CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Rancho Cucamonga CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Rancho Cucamonga CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give 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 start establishing contacts within the Rancho Cucamonga CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Rancho Cucamonga CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Rancho Cucamonga CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Rancho Cucamonga CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Rancho Cucamonga
Enroll in the Right Rancho Cucamonga Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Rancho Cucamonga residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Rancho Cucamonga California.
Rancho Cucamonga Paralegal Certificate Online | Rancho Cucamonga Paralegal Studies