Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Juneau Alaska
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Juneau AK and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? Some potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Juneau AK is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alaska to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for those living in Juneau AK looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, 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 reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Juneau AK area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most 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 issues to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Juneau AK law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Juneau AK law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Juneau AK legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Alaska legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Alaska or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area 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 need to first look at those colleges that are within the Juneau AK area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Juneau AK. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Juneau AK, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Juneau
Choose the Right Juneau Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step to guarantee 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 participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Juneau residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Juneau Alaska.