Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Fairburn Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fairburn GA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be considered as well. We will address those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable 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 different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Fairburn GA attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready 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 complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main 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 number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Fairburn GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Fairburn GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Fairburn GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fairburn GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Fairburn GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Fairburn GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Fairburn GA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Fairburn GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Fairburn GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Fairburn
Enroll in the Right Fairburn Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered 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 Fairburn home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Fairburn Georgia.
Fairburn Paralegal Certificate Online | Fairburn Paralegal Studies