Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Lithia Springs Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lithia Springs GA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into account as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Lithia Springs GA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized 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 apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Lithia Springs GA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Lithia Springs GA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least 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 dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Lithia Springs GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Lithia Springs GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. 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 caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Lithia Springs GA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, 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 practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Lithia Springs GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high 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 well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Lithia Springs GA region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Lithia Springs GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Lithia Springs GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Lithia Springs
Enroll in the Right Lithia Springs Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Lithia Springs residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating 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 be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Lithia Springs Georgia.
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