Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Winton California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Winton CA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Winton CA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Winton CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for those living in Winton CA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Winton CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation 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 effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Winton CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Winton CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Winton CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Winton CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Winton CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Winton CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Winton
Choose the Best Winton Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Winton home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Winton California.