Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Powder Springs Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Powder Springs GA and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous alternatives? Some prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job roles 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 separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Powder Springs GA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Powder Springs GA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be a good option for individuals living in Powder Springs GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more 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 program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Powder Springs GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Powder Springs GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Powder Springs GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Powder Springs GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal 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 local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Powder Springs GA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Powder Springs GA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Powder Springs GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Powder Springs
Enroll in the Best Powder Springs Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Powder Springs home. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire 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 final decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Powder Springs Georgia.
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