Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Makakilo Hawaii
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Makakilo HI, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Makakilo HI attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Makakilo HI is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Hawaii to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good option for those living in Makakilo HI searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure 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 dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Makakilo HI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Makakilo HI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Makakilo HI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Makakilo HI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Hawaii or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Makakilo HI area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Makakilo HI. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Makakilo HI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Makakilo
Enroll in the Best Makakilo Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Makakilo home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Makakilo Hawaii.
Makakilo How To Become A Paralegal | Makakilo Paralegal Certificate Online