Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Best One Near Powder Springs Georgia
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Powder Springs GA, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Powder Springs GA attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay 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 complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. 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 lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Powder Springs GA is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be a good option for those living in Powder Springs GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Powder Springs GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Powder Springs GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Powder Springs 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 when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Powder Springs GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance 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 School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive 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 initially investigate those colleges that are within the Powder Springs GA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Powder Springs GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Powder Springs GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Powder Springs
Choose the Best Powder Springs Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Powder Springs home. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Powder Springs Georgia.
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