Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Sunnyvale California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Sunnyvale CA and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you locate the ideal program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. There are a number of other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part 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 are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Sunnyvale CA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer'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 noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Sunnyvale CA is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Sunnyvale CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example 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 may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Sunnyvale CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 critical aspects to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Sunnyvale CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Sunnyvale CA law practices 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 the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Sunnyvale CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial 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 a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Sunnyvale CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Sunnyvale CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Sunnyvale CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Sunnyvale
Choose the Best Sunnyvale Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Sunnyvale home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Sunnyvale California.
Sunnyvale Paralegal Certificate Online | Sunnyvale Paralegal Studies