Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick 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 lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you find the right program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be considered as well. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and functions, 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 help Santa Fe Springs CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Santa Fe Springs CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and may be a good option for individuals living in Santa Fe Springs CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since 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 particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Santa Fe Springs CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few 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 among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Santa Fe Springs CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Santa Fe Springs CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Santa Fe Springs CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Santa Fe Springs CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Santa Fe Springs
Enroll in the Best Santa Fe Springs Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies certificate school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Santa Fe Springs residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Santa Fe Springs California.
Santa Fe Springs Paralegal Schools | Santa Fe Springs Paralegal Training