Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Stanford California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Stanford CA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you locate the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
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 way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Stanford CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be a good option for students living in Stanford CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Stanford CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Stanford CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Stanford CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Stanford CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant 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, possibly through 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 want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Stanford CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Stanford CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Stanford CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Stanford
Enroll in the Best Stanford Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Stanford residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Stanford California.