Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Windsor California
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Windsor CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to take into consideration. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Windsor CA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing 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 preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number 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. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Windsor CA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Windsor CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum 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 looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Windsor CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective 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 important factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Windsor CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Windsor CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Windsor CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Windsor CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Windsor CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Windsor 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. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Windsor
Enroll in the Best Windsor Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal training school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Windsor residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Windsor California.
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