Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Temecula California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Temecula CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Temecula CA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly 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 Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Temecula CA is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Temecula CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Temecula CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Temecula CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Temecula CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Temecula CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want 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 schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Temecula CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Temecula CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Temecula CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Temecula
Choose the Right Temecula Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Temecula residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Temecula California.
Temecula Paralegal Programs | Temecula Paralegal Certificate Programs