Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Lithia Springs Georgia
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lithia Springs GA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous options? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into consideration too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at the academic choices 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 possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Lithia Springs GA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for students living in Lithia Springs GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lithia Springs GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to research as well, 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Lithia Springs GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Lithia Springs GA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Lithia Springs GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive 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 might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Lithia Springs GA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lithia Springs GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Lithia Springs GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Lithia Springs
Enroll in the Best Lithia Springs Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Lithia Springs home. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Lithia Springs Georgia.
Lithia Springs Paralegal Certificate | Lithia Springs Paralegal Degrees