Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Johns Creek Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Johns Creek GA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic options 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 with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Johns Creek GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two 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 degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations in the field 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Johns Creek GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Johns Creek GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Johns Creek GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn 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 make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Johns Creek GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Johns Creek GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Johns Creek GA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Johns Creek GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Johns Creek 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 select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Johns Creek
Choose the Best Johns Creek Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Johns Creek home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Johns Creek Georgia.
Johns Creek Paralegal Programs | Johns Creek Paralegal Certificate Programs