Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Springdale Arkansas
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Springdale AR, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into account too. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles 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 different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Springdale AR attorneys with a wide variety 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. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions 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 preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Springdale 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 can be acquired at numerous 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 certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Arkansas to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Springdale AR searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Springdale AR area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Springdale AR law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Springdale AR law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Springdale AR legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Springdale AR area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. 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 aid may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Springdale AR. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Springdale AR, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Springdale
Enroll in the Best Springdale Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Springdale residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public 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 program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Springdale Arkansas.
Springdale Paralegal Certificate | Springdale Paralegal Degrees