paralegal programs

paralegal programs questions and answers

More information about paralegal programs at Education News.

Q: Do you know the top ten Paralegal programs in the nation?
I have googled and googled until my eyes are crossing. I want to know what colleges/universitities offer the top notch NLA recognized programs out there. Does anyone know a website that lists them? If so thanks a bunch!!!

A: You can find top listing of such US college courses in this site - careers.scienceontheweb.net

Q: what is the best school for paralegal online?
I need to find a school that has a good paralegal program (accredited)completely online. My husband is in the Army and we move around a lot. And the College in our area does not have a paralegal program, so i feel that online is my only option. Are there any reputable programs that i will have success at finding a job?

A: If you are looking for an online para legal school,i will strongly recommend you visit the link below,i was able to find the best school for me when i was searching for a school 7 months ago . http://www.adminder.com/c.cgi?dayo&date3

Q: Are there any resources available for incarcerated individuals who are seeking a paralegal diploma?
This individual is incarcerated in South Walpole, Massachusetts. He is trying to get a grant and/or information for an educational grant for a paralegal program. I have gone on yahoo to no avail to try and pull up information. He says that he has tried to contact varies foundations to get said educational grant information. What ever assistance that you can give him would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

A: Please furnish the full details of the individual and i will try to assist him !!!

Q: Does anyone have Paralegal certificate if yes, how has it benefited you?
I am really considering a Paralegal program.I don't know if I should go for the certificate program or the Associates degree.I have been in the medical field for over 12 years and I am ready for a change. I work fulltime and I have children so I would probably do an online program. Does anyone have any advice about this career change and where a good Paralegal program is in the Bay Area?

A: My friend's mother had worked in human resources at a law firm a couple years ago and she'd said that paralegals generally need a bachelor's degree in 'something' (and perhaps paralegal certificate from aba approved program). A lawyer told me several years ago that he can merely hire a law student as an intern as opposed to paralegal and not have to pay job benefits for a similar amount of money. If wanting to get the training, please steer clear of those private $$ career schools and only consider programs that are accredited by the aba. Please be very wary of those online, for-profit schools such as penn foster, US career, stratford career, devry, capella, university of phoenix, kaplan, strayer, keiser, walden, ITT tech, everest and others as they are merely out to 'make a profit': http://www.capellauniversitysucks.us http://www.ripoffreport.com and can type into search.

Q: Does it really matter if I get my Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved school?
Or is it all the same if I get it online? I know a person doesn't have to have a certificate , but I know it helps. Therefore, I am wondering if it is worth the extra bucks and commute time to go through an ABA approved paralegal program or if getting the certificate is just as good if it was done online at some random school.

A: I work for one of the biggest law firms in the Detroit area, and I can tell you unequivocally that a certification from an ABA-approved program carries much more weight than a certification from a non-ABA approved program (BTW, online degrees are at the bottom of the list -- they're literally not worth the paper they're printed on). ABA accreditation means the program has been reviewed by a panel of lawyers and the program has met with their approval as to the skill set a paralegal specialist requires in order to be a useful part of a law office. So if an applicant comes in and has an ABA-approved paralegal program on their education record, they know there is a basic set of skills this person already has that will not have to be taught or re-taught (and that saves the firm time and money). By contrast, a person who comes in with any other type of paralegal certification may have those basic skills, but then again he/she may not. Law firms don't like to take chances on people like that, so the person from the ABA-approved program wins every time.

Q: Has anyone graduated from Penn Foster Paralegal program, and is successfully employed?
Just wondering if the hard work will lead to gainful employment and a decent salary?

A: I have of persons who are successfully employed after completing this course. But please note that In the States of California and South Dakota, a Paralegal Diploma will not qualify graduates for employment as paralegals..

Q: Question for an immigration paralegal about becoming an immigration paralegal?
I am currently in a paralegal program where I am currently taking immigration law. I am very interested in getting into the field because it seems very interesting, the paralegals do most of the work ( I like to be kept busy) and you can work anywhere in the country because it is based on Federal law. I am wondering how you got into the field and any other knowledge you can share to assist me do the same. Thanks!

A: I am not an immigration paralegal but I am a paralegal. I started out as a secretary for Legal Aid. I was taught so much, including immigration, family law, landlord tenant, consumer law, administrative law. Legal aid helps with immigration matters, so does Catholic Social Services in Tucson, AZ. Don't go to privately owned paralegal document services, they just bleed people for a lot of money. Try the non-profits first, that's more rewarding.

Q: Accounting or paralegal studies, which one should I major in?
I'm trying to decide whether I want to major in accounting or paralegal studies. I'm interested in both fields. The accounting program at my school is a Bachelor Degree program, where as the paralegal program is just an Associates of Applied Science Degree. At this point, the Accounting program would only take me 5 more semesters (the last one being part time), where the paralegal program would take me 4 more semesters. It seems there is a greater demand for accountants as far as I can tell, plus more room for advancement, and I'm sure both careers have a good amount of stress with them. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks so much!

A: FIgure out which one you are a little more interested in right now and perhaps find a summer job or internship in an office connected with that field. That would give you a better idea of what the job would be like. If you find it's not what you expected, then the next summer find a job or internship in the other field. Then you will have better knowledge of both and can decide for sure what to major in. You can always switch majors if necessary. It might take you a little longer to complete school, but at least you will make a more informed decision. Another option is to volunteer this summer at each type of office. Talk to the office manager and tell him/her why you want to volunteer. Most people will understand wanting to know more about career choices before committing. Good luck.

Q: how long would it take to get a certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the A B A?
would it take years or months..around how many courses and how long?..would i need to take classes that i dont need like biology? thanks im in california andwould like to know how long itwould take.if you dont know then dont answer thanks!

A: Here is a list of ABA approved paralegal programs in CA: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/ca.html For a certificate, it is usually 6 months (2 semesters) to 1 year, depending on which school you go to and whether you are planning to go full-time or part-time for the certificate since part-time will take twice as long as full-time. I believe that most certificate programs require at least an Associate's degree and I think you need to have at least one science class to get the AA or AS degree....so, you may need to take biology... For example, the program here: http://www.calstatela.edu/exed/certificate/paralegal/ requires the following: http://www.calstatela.edu/exed/certificate/paralegal/paralegalreq.htm Applicants must submit an application form and transcripts indicating that the applicant has earned an associate of arts or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or has completed a minimum of 58 quarter (or 39 semester) units at the post-secondary level. At least 27 quarter units (or 18 semester units) must be general education courses (i.e., in areas where at least three of the following disciplines are represented: language and composition, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and the arts and humanities). To demonstrate writing proficiency, applicants must have completed a freshman composition course with a "C" or better or a comparable writing exam. Applicants who have completed these requirements at a foreign institution must also submit proof that they have passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550. Foreign applicants may substitute a college freshman composition course, completed with a grade of "C" or better, from a U.S. college or university

Q: Where can I take paralegal classes in Hong Kong to get a certificate. Will it be recognized in the US?
I have three classes left for my paralegal program in the US. Will I be able just to the take classes in Hong Kong and get my certificate. Can I work in Hong Kong with a paralegal cert. even though I can't write or read Chinese?

A: I don't know what the requirements are in Hong Kong, but you don't need a certificate in the US (at least not in WA or AK). Certification is optional, and may or may not impress US employers.

Q: is it true that to get certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the A B A?
that i would need an associates degree first?

A: This is for California, since your other questions seem to indicate that you are located in California. The answer to your question is: It depends on the school that you choose to go to. Some may require the Associate's Degree while some may require a certain number of college credits (quarter or semester). Here is a listing of paralegal approved programs in California: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/ca.html California State University East Bay www.ce.csueastbay.edu/certificate/paralegal The school above requires a certain number of college credits. It says "Admission to the Paralegal Studies certificate program is open to any interested student who has completed at least 80 quarter units (53 semester) of academic college credit. Of these 80 units, 27 must be from at least three areas of liberal studies (humanities, social studies, science, math, English)." The second school to have a website address listed: California State University, Los Angeles - http://www.calstatela.edu/exed/certificate/paralegal/ says this: "Applicants must submit an application form and transcripts indicating that the applicant has earned an associate of arts or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or has completed a minimum of 58 quarter (or 39 semester) units at the post-secondary level. At least 27 quarter units (or 18 semester units) must be general education courses (i.e., in areas where at least three of the following disciplines are represented: language and composition, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and the arts and humanities). To demonstrate writing proficiency, applicants must have completed a freshman composition course with a "C" or better or a comparable writing exam." You would be better off getting an AA or AS in paralegal studies if you don't have any college credits at all.

Q: ABA approved Paralegal Programs in Los Angeles,CA?
Hello..I was wondering with anybody who has experience in Paralegal Studies.I was wondering if anybody here can help me out?Ok well first of all.Im fresh out of high school,and I want to get into a college that's ABA approved in Paralegal Studies.So anybody from the Los Angeles or Long Beach,CA area please tell me what it takes to be a Paralegal or any guidance perhaps?I want to become a Litigation Paralegal.I've done some research on local colleges in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area.But i'm not sure if they are ABA approved?I would appreciate all the help I can get,and please no critizing.I'm a young woman wanting to get her education going and become a successful person.I hope this is enough detail =)

A: All ABA approved schools will be on this list: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/ Congrats on choosing a career path! I wish I would have made up my mind so quickly! Once you find an ABA approved school, see if they accept transfer credits from your local community college. You will save yourself a lot of money if you take the general education courses at a community college and have the credits transferred.

Q: Is that true that employers favor paralegal certificates approved by the American Bar Association better?
As I know, the paralegal program in Suffolk University is the only one in Boston area that is approved by the ABA. But does that really really matter that certificate has to be approved by ABA for job searching? thanks alot. Is Suffolk a good choice? thanks

A: Yes. However, some do and some don't. I think it depends on the city, state you plan to work in. If you're working in a small town/city, they don't care as much as in the larger cities. For example, in the Inland Empire (in CA), there are a lot of lawyers and paralegals who went to schools which are not ABA approved (and lots of judges too). But, if one wanted to work in Orange County or Los Angeles County, they would care.