Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near San Anselmo California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near San Anselmo CA and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist San Anselmo CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their everyday activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents 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 other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly 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 on their own.
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. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in San Anselmo CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be a good option for students living in San Anselmo CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the San Anselmo CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous San Anselmo CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few San Anselmo CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity 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 San Anselmo CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon 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 challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the San Anselmo CA area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in San Anselmo CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near San Anselmo CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in San Anselmo
Choose the Right San Anselmo Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your San Anselmo home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in San Anselmo California.
San Anselmo Paralegal Training | San Anselmo How To Become A Paralegal