Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Maumelle Arkansas
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Maumelle AR and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Maumelle 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 duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients 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 educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Maumelle AR is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Arkansas to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and can be an excellent option for those living in Maumelle AR searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Maumelle AR area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Maumelle AR law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Maumelle AR law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could 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 developing contacts within the Maumelle AR legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Maumelle AR region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Maumelle AR. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Maumelle AR, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Maumelle
Enroll in the Right Maumelle Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Maumelle home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Maumelle Arkansas.