Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near San Fernando California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near San Fernando CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into consideration also. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help San Fernando CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their daily tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay 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 complex and very 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 confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited 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, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in San Fernando CA is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get 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 substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and can be a good option for students living in San Fernando CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure 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 agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the San Fernando CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially 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 searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many San Fernando CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick 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 call several San Fernando CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the San Fernando CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication 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 Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the San Fernando CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available 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 San Fernando CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near San Fernando CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in San Fernando
Choose the Right San Fernando Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your San Fernando home. Paralegal training programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in San Fernando California.
San Fernando Paralegal Certificate | San Fernando Paralegal Degrees