Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near San Mateo California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near San Mateo CA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. More and more academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many options? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in San Mateo CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be a good option for students living in San Mateo CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online 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 school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the San Mateo CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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. Numerous San Mateo CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several San Mateo CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the San Mateo CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the San Mateo CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in San Mateo CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near San Mateo CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in San Mateo
Enroll in the Right San Mateo Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your San Mateo residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in San Mateo California.