Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Lagrange Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lagrange GA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Lagrange GA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Lagrange GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Lagrange GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can 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 certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Lagrange GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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 Lagrange GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Lagrange GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Lagrange GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Lagrange GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lagrange GA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Lagrange GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Lagrange
Choose the Right Lagrange Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal certificate school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Lagrange residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Lagrange Georgia.
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