Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Santa Ana California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Santa Ana CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest 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 accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into consideration too. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. 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 and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Santa Ana CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand 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 volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically 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 fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Santa Ana CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Santa Ana CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more 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 school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Santa Ana CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out 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 also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation 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 final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Santa Ana CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Santa Ana CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Santa Ana CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Santa Ana CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Santa Ana CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Santa Ana CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Santa Ana
Enroll in the Best Santa Ana Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal training school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Santa Ana residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Santa Ana California.
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