Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Grovetown Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Grovetown GA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school ought to be taken into consideration as well. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part 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 separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Grovetown GA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Grovetown GA is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Grovetown GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Grovetown GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if 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 commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Grovetown GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking 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 some Grovetown GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Grovetown 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 pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Grovetown GA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. 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 part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Grovetown GA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Grovetown GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Grovetown
Choose the Right Grovetown Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Grovetown home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as 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 schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Grovetown Georgia.
Grovetown Paralegal Training | Grovetown How To Become A Paralegal