Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Santa Cruz California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Santa Cruz CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school must be taken into account also. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Santa Cruz CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of 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 comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be a good option for students living in Santa Cruz CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Santa Cruz CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate 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 covered, there are other important issues to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Santa Cruz CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Santa Cruz CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Santa Cruz CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering 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 profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Santa Cruz CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length 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 assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Santa Cruz CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Santa Cruz CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Santa Cruz
Choose the Best Santa Cruz Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward 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 participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Santa Cruz residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Santa Cruz California.
Santa Cruz How To Become A Paralegal | Santa Cruz Paralegal Certificate Online