Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Dalton Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Dalton GA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely know, 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. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be considered too. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, 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 paralegals and legal assistants help Dalton GA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform 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 firms where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare 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 complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Dalton GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Dalton GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Dalton GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, for instance 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 investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a reputable 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Dalton GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Dalton GA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Dalton GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. 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 wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Dalton GA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Dalton GA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, 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 must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Dalton GA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Dalton
Choose the Best Dalton Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Dalton residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, 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 impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, 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 ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Dalton Georgia.