Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Westmont California
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Westmont CA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. More and more academic options 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. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Westmont CA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
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. 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 Westmont CA is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for those living in Westmont CA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, 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 sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Westmont CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Westmont CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, 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 determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Westmont CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Westmont CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable 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 vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Westmont CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Westmont CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Westmont CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Westmont
Choose the Right Westmont Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Westmont home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Westmont California.
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