Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Best One Near Kahului Hawaii
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Kahului HI and start your journey that will result in a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account too. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants 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 are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Kahului HI lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Kahului HI is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. 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, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Hawaii to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Kahului HI searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Kahului HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most 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 critical factors 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 schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable 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 focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Kahului HI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Kahului HI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Kahului HI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Kahului HI area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Kahului HI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Kahului HI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Kahului
Enroll in the Right Kahului Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is an essential 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Kahului residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Kahului Hawaii.
Kahului Paralegal Certificate Programs | Kahului Paralegal Certificate