Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Right One Near Watsonville California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Watsonville CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Watsonville CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific 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 help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially 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 fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Watsonville CA is by earning a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Watsonville CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Watsonville CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Watsonville CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Watsonville CA law firms 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 ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Watsonville CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire 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 first look at those colleges that are within the Watsonville CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Watsonville CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Watsonville CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Watsonville
Choose the Right Watsonville Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Watsonville residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Watsonville California.
Watsonville Paralegal Studies | Watsonville Paralegal Schools