Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Scottsboro Alabama
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Scottsboro AL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at 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 Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Scottsboro AL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could 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 lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their daily activities may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps 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 Scottsboro AL is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Scottsboro AL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Scottsboro AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Scottsboro AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Scottsboro AL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Scottsboro AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Scottsboro AL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Scottsboro AL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Scottsboro AL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Scottsboro
Choose the Right Scottsboro Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed 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 Scottsboro residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Scottsboro Alabama.
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