Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Twentynine Palms California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Twentynine Palms CA and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Twentynine Palms CA lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Twentynine Palms CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for 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 extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be a good alternative for students living in Twentynine Palms CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things 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 a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Twentynine Palms CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most 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 aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Twentynine Palms CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Twentynine Palms CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Twentynine Palms CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide 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 secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial 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? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish 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 choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Twentynine Palms CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Twentynine Palms CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, 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 need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Twentynine Palms CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Twentynine Palms
Choose the Best Twentynine Palms Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Twentynine Palms home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Twentynine Palms California.
Twentynine Palms Paralegal Training | Twentynine Palms How To Become A Paralegal