Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Fayetteville Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Fayetteville GA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program 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 school should be taken into consideration too. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Fayetteville GA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including 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 work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Fayetteville GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though 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 also. Some of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Fayetteville GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Fayetteville GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Fayetteville GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Fayetteville GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Fayetteville GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. 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 first look at those schools that are within the Fayetteville GA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Fayetteville GA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Fayetteville GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Fayetteville
Choose the Best Fayetteville Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Fayetteville residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Fayetteville Georgia.
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