Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Macon Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Macon GA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Macon GA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties 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, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Macon GA is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important 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 may be a good option for students living in Macon GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about 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 conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Macon GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree 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 discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Macon GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Macon GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember 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 give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Macon GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area 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 want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Macon GA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Macon GA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Macon GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Macon
Choose the Best Macon Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal training school is a vital 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 attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Macon home. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade 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 wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Macon Georgia.
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