Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Alpharetta Georgia
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Alpharetta GA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your decision. But before we do, 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 and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Alpharetta GA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically 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 follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more apropos 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 number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Alpharetta GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Alpharetta GA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced 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 training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Alpharetta GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Alpharetta GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select 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 some Alpharetta GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Alpharetta GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance 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 Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms 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 select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. 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 initially look at those colleges that are within the Alpharetta GA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Alpharetta GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Alpharetta GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Alpharetta
Enroll in the Right Alpharetta Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Alpharetta residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, 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 practicing paralegal in Alpharetta Georgia.
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