Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near San Pedro California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near San Pedro CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you locate the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many options? A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and functions, 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 help San Pedro CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers 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 duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
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. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in San Pedro CA is by earning a certificate, which can require 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 can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for students living in San Pedro CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the San Pedro CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many San Pedro CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick 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 Pedro CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the San Pedro CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the San Pedro CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in San Pedro CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near San Pedro CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in San Pedro
Enroll in the Best San Pedro Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying 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 Pedro residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in San Pedro California.
San Pedro Paralegal Certificate Online | San Pedro Paralegal Studies