Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Alpharetta Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Alpharetta GA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same 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 are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Alpharetta GA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging 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 applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Alpharetta GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Alpharetta GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater 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 highly regarded organization, 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 could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Alpharetta GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn 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 as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Alpharetta GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Alpharetta GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Alpharetta GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Alpharetta GA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Alpharetta GA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Alpharetta GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Alpharetta
Choose the Best Alpharetta Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Alpharetta residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Alpharetta Georgia.
Alpharetta Paralegal Certificate | Alpharetta Paralegal Degrees