Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near North Decatur Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near North Decatur GA, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options 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 fill the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist North Decatur GA lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education 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 job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in North Decatur GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be earned 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. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for individuals living in North Decatur GA looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing 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 formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the North Decatur GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many North Decatur GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several North Decatur GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the North Decatur GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the North Decatur GA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in North Decatur GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near North Decatur GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in North Decatur
Choose the Right North Decatur Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your North Decatur residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose 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 school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in North Decatur Georgia.
North Decatur How To Become A Paralegal | North Decatur Paralegal Certificate Online