Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Fairhope Alabama
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fairhope AL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Fairhope AL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Fairhope AL is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Fairhope AL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fairhope AL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected 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 certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fairhope AL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Fairhope AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Fairhope AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Fairhope AL region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned 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 also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Fairhope AL. Naturally 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 paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Fairhope AL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Fairhope
Choose the Best Fairhope Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Fairhope residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Fairhope Alabama.
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