Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Mableton Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Mableton GA and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need 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 just how do you go about finding the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Mableton GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 school (we will address the advantages 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 Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be an excellent option for those living in Mableton GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Mableton GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if 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 critical factors to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 as well. Many Mableton GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Mableton GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. 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 Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Mableton GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Mableton GA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Mableton GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Mableton GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Mableton
Enroll in the Best Mableton Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Mableton residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Mableton Georgia.
Mableton Paralegal Training | Mableton How To Become A Paralegal