Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Monroe Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Monroe GA and start your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school should be considered as well. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Monroe GA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay 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 authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Monroe GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous 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. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and can be a good option for those living in Monroe GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Monroe GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential 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 aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Monroe GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Monroe GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Monroe GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Monroe GA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Monroe GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Monroe GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Monroe
Choose the Best Monroe Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Monroe home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Monroe Georgia.
Monroe Paralegal Training | Monroe How To Become A Paralegal