Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Knik Fairview Alaska
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Knik Fairview AK, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Knik Fairview AK attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Knik Fairview AK is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alaska to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Knik Fairview AK searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet 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 caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Knik Fairview AK area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to consider also, including 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Knik Fairview AK law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Knik Fairview AK law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Knik Fairview AK legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alaska legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Alaska or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Knik Fairview AK area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Knik Fairview AK. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Knik Fairview AK, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Knik Fairview
Choose the Right Knik Fairview Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Knik Fairview home. Paralegal education programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Knik Fairview Alaska.
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