Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Shafter California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Shafter CA and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you locate the best program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, 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 the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account also. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Shafter CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their everyday tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready 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 complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Shafter CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Shafter CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example 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 might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Shafter CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to 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 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 already discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
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 might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Shafter CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Shafter CA law offices 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 among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Shafter CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Shafter CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Shafter CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Shafter CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Shafter
Choose the Best Shafter Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Shafter residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Shafter California.