Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Best One Near Daphne Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Daphne AL and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be considered as well. We will discuss those issues and other vital 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 what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, 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 Daphne AL lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, 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 limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Daphne AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be a good alternative for students living in Daphne AL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Daphne AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Daphne AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Daphne AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Daphne AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Daphne AL area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Daphne AL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Daphne AL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Daphne
Enroll in the Right Daphne Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Daphne home. Paralegal training programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community 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 opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Daphne Alabama.
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