Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Fayetteville Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fayetteville GA, it's time to begin 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 be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be considered also. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
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 requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Fayetteville GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Fayetteville GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials 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 guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fayetteville GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Fayetteville GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Fayetteville GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Fayetteville GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly 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 hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent 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 Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. 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 might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Fayetteville GA area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Fayetteville GA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Fayetteville GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Fayetteville
Enroll in the Best Fayetteville Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal training program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Fayetteville residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding 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 examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Fayetteville Georgia.
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