Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Dalton Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Dalton GA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available 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 just how do you go about finding the right school with so many options? Many potential students start by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be considered also. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Dalton GA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional 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 offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Dalton GA is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and receive 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 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 school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Dalton GA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Dalton GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many 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 important factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Dalton GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Dalton GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Dalton GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Dalton GA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs 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 supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Dalton GA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Dalton GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Dalton
Choose the Best Dalton Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Dalton residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Dalton Georgia.
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