Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Halawa Hawaii
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Halawa HI, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you need to consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be considered too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Halawa HI attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, 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 practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. 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 proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more suited 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, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Halawa HI is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Hawaii to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Halawa HI searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced 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 certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Halawa HI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Halawa HI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Halawa HI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Halawa HI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Hawaii or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even 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 reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Halawa HI region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Halawa HI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Halawa HI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Halawa
Choose the Best Halawa Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Halawa home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Halawa Hawaii.
Halawa Paralegal Programs | Halawa Paralegal Certificate Programs