Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Schofield Barracks Hawaii
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Schofield Barracks HI, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many options? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Schofield Barracks HI lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to 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 transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly 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 responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more suited 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, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Schofield Barracks HI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Hawaii to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Schofield Barracks HI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater 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 highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Schofield Barracks HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. 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 discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Schofield Barracks HI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Schofield Barracks HI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Schofield Barracks HI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Hawaii or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want 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 want to first consider those schools that are within the Schofield Barracks HI area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Schofield Barracks HI. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Schofield Barracks 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 select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Schofield Barracks
Enroll in the Best Schofield Barracks Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Schofield Barracks residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Schofield Barracks Hawaii.
Schofield Barracks Paralegal Training | Schofield Barracks How To Become A Paralegal