Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near West Memphis Arkansas
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near West Memphis AR and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help West Memphis AR lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number 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 perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in West Memphis AR is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Arkansas to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in West Memphis AR looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the West Memphis AR area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous West Memphis AR law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few West Memphis AR law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the West Memphis AR legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Arkansas or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. 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 initially look at those colleges that are within the West Memphis AR area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in West Memphis AR. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near West Memphis AR, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in West Memphis
Enroll in the Best West Memphis Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your West Memphis home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer 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 impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in West Memphis Arkansas.
West Memphis Paralegal Certificate | West Memphis Paralegal Degrees