Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near San Jacinto California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near San Jacinto CA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? Some potential students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help San Jacinto CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to 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 transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree 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 are employed, but a few of their regular activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in San Jacinto CA is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits 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.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for those living in San Jacinto CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the San Jacinto CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know 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 as well. If you are like most potential 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 important issues to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of San Jacinto CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
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 entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some San Jacinto CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the San Jacinto CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large 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 vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the San Jacinto CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in San Jacinto CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near San Jacinto CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in San Jacinto
Enroll in the Right San Jacinto Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your San Jacinto residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in San Jacinto California.
San Jacinto Paralegal Degrees | San Jacinto Paralegal Courses