Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Lagrange Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Lagrange GA and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Lagrange GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for those living in Lagrange GA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Lagrange GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know 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 the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain 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 obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Lagrange GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from 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 legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Lagrange GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Lagrange GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Lagrange GA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Lagrange GA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Lagrange GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Lagrange
Choose the Right Lagrange Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies certificate school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Lagrange residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lagrange Georgia.