Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Best One Near Lilburn Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Lilburn GA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students begin by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Lilburn GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be a good option for those living in Lilburn GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Lilburn GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose 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 obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lilburn GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Lilburn GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, 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 firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Lilburn GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Lilburn GA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Lilburn GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Lilburn GA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Lilburn
Enroll in the Right Lilburn Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Lilburn home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Lilburn Georgia.
Lilburn Paralegal Certificate Online | Lilburn Paralegal Studies