Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Tuscaloosa Alabama
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Tuscaloosa AL and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in 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 and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, 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 Tuscaloosa AL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Tuscaloosa AL is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for those living in Tuscaloosa AL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded 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 degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Tuscaloosa AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 covered, there are other crucial aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive 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 receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Tuscaloosa AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose 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 Tuscaloosa AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Tuscaloosa AL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish 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 may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Tuscaloosa AL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Tuscaloosa AL. Of course if you choose 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? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Tuscaloosa AL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Tuscaloosa
Enroll in the Right Tuscaloosa Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Tuscaloosa residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Tuscaloosa Alabama.
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