Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Auburn Alabama
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Auburn AL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be considered as well. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically 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 are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Auburn AL lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including 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 practice might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. 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 confined to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 means to launch your career as a paralegal in Auburn AL is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Auburn AL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Auburn AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Auburn AL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Auburn AL law offices 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 the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Auburn AL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging 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 sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. 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 might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Auburn AL area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. 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 talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Auburn AL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Auburn AL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Auburn
Enroll in the Right Auburn Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal training school is an essential 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 privacy and comfort of your Auburn home. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Auburn Alabama.
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