Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Best One Near South Lake Tahoe California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near South Lake Tahoe CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist South Lake Tahoe CA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. 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 actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in South Lake Tahoe CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. 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 school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining 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 Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for those living in South Lake Tahoe CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more 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 school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the South Lake Tahoe CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many South Lake Tahoe CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose 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 some South Lake Tahoe CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the South Lake Tahoe CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer 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 probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement 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 corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the South Lake Tahoe CA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in South Lake Tahoe CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near South Lake Tahoe 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 enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in South Lake Tahoe
Choose the Best South Lake Tahoe Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your South Lake Tahoe home. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in South Lake Tahoe California.
South Lake Tahoe How To Become A Paralegal | South Lake Tahoe Paralegal Certificate Online