Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near San Luis Obispo California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near San Luis Obispo CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help San Luis Obispo CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific 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 documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education 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 job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in San Luis Obispo CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 discuss 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for students living in San Luis Obispo CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the San Luis Obispo CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous San Luis Obispo CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some San Luis Obispo CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the San Luis Obispo CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the San Luis Obispo CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in San Luis Obispo CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near San Luis Obispo CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in San Luis Obispo
Choose the Best San Luis Obispo Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your San Luis Obispo residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in San Luis Obispo California.
San Luis Obispo Paralegal Studies | San Luis Obispo Paralegal Schools