Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Waimalu Hawaii
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Waimalu HI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest 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 need to consider. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. 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 and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Waimalu HI lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Waimalu HI is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Hawaii to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Waimalu HI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Waimalu HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, 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 schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Waimalu HI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Waimalu HI law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Waimalu HI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Waimalu HI region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Waimalu HI. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Waimalu HI, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Waimalu
Choose the Best Waimalu Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies certificate school 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 Waimalu home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Waimalu Hawaii.