Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near Shadow Hills California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Shadow Hills CA and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration as well. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Shadow Hills CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically 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 quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Shadow Hills CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Shadow Hills CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Shadow Hills CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must 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 certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly 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 recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive 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 receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Shadow Hills 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 offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Shadow Hills CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Shadow Hills CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Shadow Hills CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Shadow Hills CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Shadow Hills CA, make sure classes are available 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 process is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Shadow Hills
Choose the Right Shadow Hills Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Shadow Hills residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Shadow Hills California.
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