Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near San Juan Capistrano California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near San Juan Capistrano CA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist San Juan Capistrano CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in San Juan Capistrano CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have acquired 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 establish you as a professional also. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be a good option for students living in San Juan Capistrano CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain 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 agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the San Juan Capistrano CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many San Juan Capistrano CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few San Juan Capistrano CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the San Juan Capistrano CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the San Juan Capistrano CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in San Juan Capistrano CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near San Juan Capistrano CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in San Juan Capistrano
Enroll in the Right San Juan Capistrano Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed 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 Juan Capistrano home. Paralegal education programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in San Juan Capistrano California.
San Juan Capistrano Paralegal Studies | San Juan Capistrano Paralegal Schools