Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Rosemont California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Rosemont CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you locate the right program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Rosemont CA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex 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 action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because 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 otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically 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 quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Rosemont CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work 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 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be a good option for individuals living in Rosemont CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Rosemont CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Rosemont CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings 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 have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Rosemont CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Rosemont CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous 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 build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Rosemont CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Rosemont CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Rosemont CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Rosemont
Choose the Right Rosemont Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal training school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 Rosemont home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Rosemont California.