Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near San Dimas California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near San Dimas CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only 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 assist San Dimas CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep 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 complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in San Dimas CA is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits 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
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and can be an excellent option for students living in San Dimas CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the San Dimas CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to research also, for instance 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 considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many San Dimas CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few San Dimas CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the San Dimas CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid 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 in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the San Dimas CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in San Dimas CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near San Dimas CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in San Dimas
Choose the Best San Dimas Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your San Dimas 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 universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in San Dimas California.
San Dimas Paralegal Training | San Dimas How To Become A Paralegal