Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near Athens Georgia
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Athens GA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably know, 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 on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Athens GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for those living in Athens GA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Athens GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive 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 obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Athens GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Athens GA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Athens GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially 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 hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large 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 may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Athens GA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Athens GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Athens GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Athens
Choose the Best Athens Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Athens residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational 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 broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Athens Georgia.