Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right 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 gratifying career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into account also. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
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 requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in West Memphis AR is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though 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 regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and can be a good alternative for students living in West Memphis AR looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the West Memphis AR area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School 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 can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many West Memphis AR law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several West Memphis AR law firms 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 could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the West Memphis AR legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend 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 West Memphis AR area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, 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 assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in West Memphis AR. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near West Memphis AR, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in West Memphis
Enroll in the Right West Memphis Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your West Memphis home. Paralegal training programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in West Memphis Arkansas.
West Memphis Paralegal Degrees | West Memphis Paralegal Courses