Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Valencia California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Valencia CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? Some potential students start by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program should be considered as well. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Valencia CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys 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 complex and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Valencia CA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous 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 earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Valencia CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases 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 online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Valencia CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Valencia CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Valencia CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Valencia CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Valencia CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. 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 reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Valencia CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Valencia CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Valencia
Enroll in the Best Valencia Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal training school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Valencia residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Valencia California.
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