Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near West Sacramento California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near West Sacramento CA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program should be taken into consideration too. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help West Sacramento CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer 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 lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in West Sacramento CA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Many 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. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in West Sacramento CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the West Sacramento CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of West Sacramento CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few West Sacramento CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the West Sacramento CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the West Sacramento CA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in West Sacramento CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near West Sacramento CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in West Sacramento
Choose the Right West Sacramento Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your West Sacramento residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in West Sacramento California.
West Sacramento Paralegal Studies | West Sacramento Paralegal Schools