Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Waipahu Hawaii
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Waipahu HI, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous alternatives? Many potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are a number of other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Waipahu HI attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Waipahu HI is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Hawaii to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important 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 available and may be a good alternative for students living in Waipahu HI searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Waipahu HI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective 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 factors to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Waipahu HI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Waipahu HI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Waipahu HI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Hawaii or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Waipahu HI area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Waipahu HI. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Waipahu HI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Waipahu
Choose the Right Waipahu Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Waipahu home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Waipahu Hawaii.