Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Vallejo California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Vallejo CA and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill 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 Vallejo CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files 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 authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Vallejo CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get 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 establish you as a professional as well. 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning 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 Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Vallejo CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Vallejo CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Vallejo CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Vallejo 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 if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Vallejo CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs 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 good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Vallejo CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Vallejo CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Vallejo CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Vallejo
Choose the Best Vallejo Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal certificate school is an important first step to guarantee 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Vallejo home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of public and private 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 opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Vallejo California.
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