Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near San Fernando California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near San Fernando CA and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive 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 choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be considered also. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just 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 classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist San Fernando CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
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. In any case, 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 can take as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory 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. A few 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and may be a good option for students living in San Fernando CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the San Fernando CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many San Fernando CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few San Fernando CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the San Fernando CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the San Fernando CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in San Fernando CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near San Fernando CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in San Fernando
Choose the Right San Fernando Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your San Fernando home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in San Fernando California.
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