Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Lahaina Hawaii
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Lahaina HI and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s essential that you find the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school must be taken into consideration also. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Lahaina HI attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting 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 job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Lahaina HI is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Hawaii to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Lahaina HI searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools 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 caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Lahaina HI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 previously covered, there are other significant issues to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized organization 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 education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Lahaina HI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Lahaina HI law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Lahaina HI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering 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 substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those schools that are within the Lahaina HI region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Lahaina HI. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Lahaina HI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Lahaina
Choose the Best Lahaina Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal certificate school is a vital 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 on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Lahaina home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lahaina Hawaii.