Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Mililani Mauka Hawaii
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Mililani Mauka 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 ideal program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Mililani Mauka HI attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay 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 complicated and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly 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 manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically 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 quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Mililani Mauka HI is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Hawaii to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be an excellent option for those living in Mililani Mauka HI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Mililani Mauka HI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Mililani Mauka HI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program 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 some Mililani Mauka HI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Mililani Mauka HI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Hawaii or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Mililani Mauka HI region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Mililani Mauka HI. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Mililani Mauka HI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Mililani Mauka
Enroll in the Right Mililani Mauka Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Mililani Mauka home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence 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 opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Mililani Mauka Hawaii.
Mililani Mauka Paralegal Courses | Mililani Mauka Paralegal Programs