Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Fort Smith Arkansas
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fort Smith AR, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you locate the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many options? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into consideration as well. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take 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 the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, 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 Fort Smith AR attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their daily activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Fort Smith AR is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Arkansas to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Fort Smith AR searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fort Smith AR area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective 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 critical issues to research also, including 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 researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Fort Smith AR law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Fort Smith AR law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Fort Smith AR 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 pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Fort Smith AR area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Fort Smith AR. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Fort Smith AR, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Fort Smith
Enroll in the Right Fort Smith Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Fort Smith residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Fort Smith Arkansas.