Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Clarkston Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Clarkston GA and start your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous alternatives? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Clarkston GA attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Clarkston GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and may be a good option for students living in Clarkston GA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example 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 ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Clarkston GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Clarkston GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Clarkston GA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Clarkston GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Clarkston GA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ 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 education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Clarkston GA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Clarkston 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 enroll in makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Clarkston
Enroll in the Best Clarkston Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal training school is an important first step toward 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 Clarkston residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Clarkston Georgia.
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