Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Trussville Alabama
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Trussville AL, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into account as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Trussville AL attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers 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 job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, 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 restricted to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Trussville 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 offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in Trussville AL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Trussville AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain 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 receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Trussville AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Trussville AL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Trussville AL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Trussville AL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained 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 aid might be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Trussville AL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Trussville AL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Trussville
Enroll in the Best Trussville Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding 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 comfort and privacy of your Trussville home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Trussville Alabama.