Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Knik Fairview Alaska
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Knik Fairview AK, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you find the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be considered also. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Knik Fairview AK attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. 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 could help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Knik Fairview AK is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Alaska to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Knik Fairview AK looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, such as 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 could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Knik Fairview AK area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about 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 investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. 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. A number of Knik Fairview AK law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession 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 select 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 contact several Knik Fairview AK law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Knik Fairview AK legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alaska legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Alaska or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Knik Fairview AK region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Knik Fairview AK. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Knik Fairview AK, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Knik Fairview
Choose the Best Knik Fairview Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Knik Fairview residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior 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 prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Knik Fairview Alaska.
Knik Fairview Paralegal Studies | Knik Fairview Paralegal Schools