Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Opelika Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Opelika AL and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school 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 checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school should be considered also. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options 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 comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Opelika AL attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
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 prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Opelika AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Opelika AL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Opelika AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many 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 factors to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Opelika AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Opelika AL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Opelika AL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. 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 large networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Opelika AL region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Opelika AL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Opelika AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Opelika
Choose the Best Opelika Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Opelika home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Opelika Alabama.