Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Right One Near Druid Hills Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Druid Hills GA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into consideration too. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Druid Hills GA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping 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 role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite 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 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 attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Druid Hills GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and may be a good option for those living in Druid Hills GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Druid Hills GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can 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 potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Druid Hills GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Druid Hills GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Druid Hills GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession 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 sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those schools that are within the Druid Hills GA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Druid Hills GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Druid Hills GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Druid Hills
Choose the Right Druid Hills Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Druid Hills residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Druid Hills Georgia.
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