Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Winter Gardens California
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Winter Gardens CA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you locate the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? Many prospective students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into account also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess 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 offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Winter Gardens CA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine activities may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Winter Gardens CA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for students living in Winter Gardens CA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Winter Gardens CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, for instance 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 final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Winter Gardens CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Winter Gardens CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Winter Gardens CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable 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 vary among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Winter Gardens CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Winter Gardens CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Winter Gardens CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Winter Gardens
Choose the Best Winter Gardens Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal training school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Winter Gardens residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Winter Gardens California.
Winter Gardens Paralegal Programs | Winter Gardens Paralegal Certificate Programs