Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near Hoover Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Hoover AL and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account also. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Hoover AL attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics 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 the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather 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 they are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able 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 essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Hoover AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Hoover AL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes 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 caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as 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 might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Hoover AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 previously discussed, there are other important aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Hoover AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Hoover AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. 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 give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Hoover AL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community 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 might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Hoover AL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Hoover AL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Hoover AL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Hoover
Enroll in the Right Hoover Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Hoover home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Hoover Alabama.