Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Augusta Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Augusta GA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, 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 Augusta GA lawyers with a wide range 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 are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Augusta GA is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Augusta GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Augusta GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized 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 learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Augusta GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Augusta GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Augusta GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Augusta GA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Augusta GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Augusta GA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Augusta
Choose the Best Augusta Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Augusta residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Augusta Georgia.
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