Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Gainesville Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Gainesville GA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be considered too. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
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 prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Gainesville GA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive 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 an option also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address 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 legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and may be a good alternative for students living in Gainesville GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Gainesville GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to 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 many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Gainesville GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Gainesville GA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Gainesville GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Gainesville GA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Gainesville GA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Gainesville GA, verify 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. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Gainesville
Choose the Right Gainesville Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Gainesville residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Gainesville Georgia.
Gainesville Paralegal Programs | Gainesville Paralegal Certificate Programs