Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Harrison Arkansas
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Harrison AR and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to 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? Many potential students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be considered as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your decision. 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 Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Harrison AR attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly 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 cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Harrison AR is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arkansas to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Harrison AR searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Harrison AR area, in addition to 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 certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Harrison AR law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Harrison AR law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation 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 outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Harrison AR legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Arkansas or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Harrison AR area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost 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 obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Harrison AR. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Harrison AR, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Harrison
Choose the Best Harrison Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies training program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Harrison residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Harrison Arkansas.