Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Marietta Georgia
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Marietta GA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest 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 accreditation and the reputation of the school must be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, 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 legal assistants and paralegals assist Marietta GA attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases 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. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Marietta GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 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 numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be a good alternative for those living in Marietta GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Marietta GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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 Marietta GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select 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 a few Marietta GA law offices that you may have an interest 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 rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Marietta GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success 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 graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Marietta GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Marietta GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Marietta GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Marietta
Choose the Right Marietta Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Marietta home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Marietta Georgia.