Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Rosamond California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Rosamond CA and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration as well. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Rosamond CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Rosamond CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in Rosamond CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, 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 certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Rosamond 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 many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Rosamond CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Rosamond CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Rosamond CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Rosamond CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Rosamond CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Rosamond 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 choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Rosamond
Choose the Best Rosamond Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Rosamond residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give 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 examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Rosamond California.