Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Best One Near Ozark Alabama
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Ozark AL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many alternatives? Some prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just 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 Ozark AL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Ozark AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations in the field 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Ozark AL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus 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 address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Ozark 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 particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should 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 targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Ozark AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Ozark AL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Ozark AL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication 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 may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Ozark AL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Ozark AL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Ozark AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Ozark
Enroll in the Best Ozark Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed 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 Ozark home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Ozark Alabama.