Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near Huntsville Alabama
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Huntsville AL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask 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 instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Huntsville AL lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as 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 are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Huntsville AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for 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 an option as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for those living in Huntsville AL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure 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 respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Huntsville AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School 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 may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Huntsville AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Huntsville AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Huntsville AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Huntsville AL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Huntsville AL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Huntsville AL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Huntsville
Enroll in the Best Huntsville Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal training program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Huntsville home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Huntsville Alabama.
Huntsville How To Become A Paralegal | Huntsville Paralegal Certificate Online