Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Chamblee Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Chamblee GA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school must be considered too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Chamblee GA is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Chamblee GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Chamblee GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, 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 education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Chamblee GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose 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 several Chamblee GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Chamblee GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Chamblee GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Chamblee GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Chamblee GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Chamblee
Choose the Best Chamblee Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Chamblee home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Chamblee Georgia.
Chamblee Paralegal Certificate Programs | Chamblee Paralegal Certificate