Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Best One Near Duluth Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Duluth GA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive 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 on campus and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Duluth GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide 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 available as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 certificate or degree 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Duluth GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum 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 reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded 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 certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Duluth GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 crucial aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Duluth GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Duluth GA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the Duluth GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop 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 desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Duluth GA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Duluth GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Duluth GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Duluth
Choose the Best Duluth Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Duluth residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Duluth Georgia.