Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Johns Creek Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Johns Creek GA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be considered as well. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Johns Creek GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Johns Creek GA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools 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 sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Johns Creek 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 include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Johns Creek GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Johns Creek GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Johns Creek 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 pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Johns Creek GA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Johns Creek GA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Johns Creek GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Johns Creek
Enroll in the Best Johns Creek Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal training program is a vital 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Johns Creek home. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Johns Creek Georgia.
Johns Creek Paralegal Certificate | Johns Creek Paralegal Degrees