Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Phenix City Alabama
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Phenix City AL, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational 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 comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Phenix City AL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay 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 complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions 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 have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Phenix City AL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for students living in Phenix City AL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Phenix City AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering 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 enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Phenix City AL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. 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. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Phenix City AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Phenix City AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Phenix City AL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Phenix City AL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Phenix City AL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Phenix City
Enroll in the Right Phenix City Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal training school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Phenix City residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful 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 have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Phenix City Alabama.
Phenix City Paralegal Schools | Phenix City Paralegal Training