Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Truckee California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Truckee CA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Truckee CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. However, 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 administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Truckee CA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for students living in Truckee CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater 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 looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Truckee CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Truckee CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Truckee CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Truckee CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire 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 live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Truckee CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Truckee CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Truckee 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 offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Truckee
Choose the Right Truckee Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Truckee residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire 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 ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Truckee California.