Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Kaneohe Hawaii
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Kaneohe HI and start your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. But in order to assure 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 understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into consideration too. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, 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 Kaneohe HI attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their everyday activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually 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 way to start your career as a legal assistant in Kaneohe HI is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Hawaii to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Kaneohe HI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Kaneohe HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add 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 driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Kaneohe HI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, 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 a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Kaneohe HI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which 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 exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Kaneohe HI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Hawaii or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose 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 may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Kaneohe HI area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Kaneohe HI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Kaneohe HI, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Kaneohe
Enroll in the Best Kaneohe Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered 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 Kaneohe home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose 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 selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Kaneohe Hawaii.