Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Santa Ana California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Santa Ana CA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many options? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account too. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same 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 are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Santa Ana CA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable 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, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Santa Ana 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 many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Santa Ana CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Santa Ana CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, 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 paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Santa Ana CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Santa Ana CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask 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 sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Santa Ana CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Santa Ana CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Santa Ana CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Santa Ana
Choose the Right Santa Ana Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, 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 education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Santa Ana California.
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