Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Victorville California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Victorville CA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Victorville CA attorneys 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 practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files 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 permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Victorville CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, 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 boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Victorville CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least 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 highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Victorville CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to 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 as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Victorville CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Victorville CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Victorville CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable 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 state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Victorville CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Victorville CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Victorville CA, make certain 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. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Victorville
Choose the Best Victorville Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Victorville residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Victorville California.
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