Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Carrollton Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Carrollton GA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational 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 positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Carrollton GA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Carrollton GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover 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 paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Carrollton GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into 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 conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Carrollton GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly 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 recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Carrollton GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking 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 call some Carrollton GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Carrollton GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Carrollton GA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Carrollton GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Carrollton GA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, 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 missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Carrollton
Enroll in the Right Carrollton Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies training school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Carrollton residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior 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 prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Carrollton Georgia.
Carrollton Paralegal Schools | Carrollton Paralegal Training