Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Gadsden Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Gadsden AL and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest 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. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Gadsden AL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. 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 trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially 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 means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Gadsden AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Gadsden AL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Gadsden AL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to consider also, for instance 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 investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Gadsden AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Gadsden AL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear 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 Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Gadsden AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Gadsden AL area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Gadsden AL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Gadsden AL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Gadsden
Enroll in the Best Gadsden Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Gadsden home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Gadsden Alabama.