Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Best One Near Moultrie Georgia
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Moultrie GA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program should be considered too. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Moultrie GA lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Moultrie GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 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 earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Moultrie GA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Moultrie GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program 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 might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Moultrie GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Moultrie GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Moultrie GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those schools that are within the Moultrie GA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Moultrie GA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Moultrie GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Moultrie
Choose the Best Moultrie Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Moultrie home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Moultrie Georgia.