Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Best One Near San Rafael California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near San Rafael CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable 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 a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. 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
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help San Rafael CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand 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 volume 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 educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in San Rafael CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be a good alternative for students living in San Rafael CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the San Rafael CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of San Rafael CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few San Rafael CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the San Rafael CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire 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 need to first consider those colleges that are within the San Rafael CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in San Rafael CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near San Rafael CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in San Rafael
Enroll in the Right San Rafael Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your San Rafael residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate 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 Rafael California.
San Rafael Paralegal Certificate | San Rafael Paralegal Degrees