Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Redan Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Redan GA and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be considered also. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Redan GA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be a good alternative for those living in Redan GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance 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 may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Redan GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare 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 prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Redan GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Redan GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Redan GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely 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 interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Redan GA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Redan GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Redan GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Redan
Enroll in the Best Redan Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree school is an essential 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Redan residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Redan Georgia.