Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Homewood Alabama
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Homewood AL, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are various other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching 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 vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Homewood AL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education 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 requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Homewood AL is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Homewood AL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools 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 quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Homewood AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Homewood AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Homewood AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Homewood AL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Homewood AL region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Homewood AL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Homewood AL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Homewood
Choose the Right Homewood Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate program 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 choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Homewood home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Homewood Alabama.