Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Santa Fe Springs California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Santa Fe Springs CA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must 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 academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Santa Fe Springs CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos 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, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Santa Fe Springs CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Santa Fe Springs CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address 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 reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Santa Fe Springs CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out 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 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 crucial issues to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Santa Fe Springs CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Santa Fe Springs CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Santa Fe Springs CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Santa Fe Springs CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Santa Fe Springs CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Santa Fe Springs CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Santa Fe Springs
Enroll in the Right Santa Fe Springs Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies training school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Santa Fe Springs residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, 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 career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Santa Fe Springs California.
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