Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near West Covina California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near West Covina CA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing 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 schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help West Covina CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, 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 might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their everyday activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated 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 they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in West Covina CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee 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 popular and can be a good option for those living in West Covina CA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the West Covina CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can 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 the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of West Covina CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular 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. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several West Covina CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the West Covina CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the West Covina CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in West Covina CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near West Covina CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in West Covina
Choose the Best West Covina Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal training school is a vital first step to guarantee 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your West Covina residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in West Covina California.
West Covina Paralegal Training | West Covina How To Become A Paralegal