Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Selma Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Selma AL and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Selma AL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Selma AL is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although 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 also. A few of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Selma AL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least 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 looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Selma 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 especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Selma AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Selma AL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if 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 give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Selma AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Selma AL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Selma AL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Selma AL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Selma
Enroll in the Best Selma Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Selma home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Selma Alabama.
Selma Paralegal Certificate Programs | Selma Paralegal Certificate