Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Northport Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Northport AL and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Northport AL attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties 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 ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume 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 arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Northport AL is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Northport AL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Northport AL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Northport AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Northport AL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Northport AL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Northport AL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Northport AL. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Northport AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Northport
Choose the Right Northport Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Northport residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and 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 prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Northport Alabama.
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