Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Knik Fairview Alaska
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Knik Fairview AK, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. 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 being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics 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 have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Knik Fairview AK lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Knik Fairview AK is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might 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 boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Knik Fairview AK looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Knik Fairview AK area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare 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 previously discussed, there are other significant factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Knik Fairview AK law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Knik Fairview AK law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Knik Fairview AK legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Alaska or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Knik Fairview AK area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Knik Fairview AK. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Knik Fairview AK, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Knik Fairview
Choose the Best Knik Fairview Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Knik Fairview residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Knik Fairview Alaska.
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