Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Right One Near Riverdale Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Riverdale GA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you find the best program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into account also. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Riverdale GA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting 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 job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, 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 limited to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Riverdale GA is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for those living in Riverdale GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. 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 structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training 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 Riverdale GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected organization 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 focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Riverdale GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Riverdale GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Riverdale GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Riverdale GA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Riverdale GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Riverdale GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Riverdale
Choose the Right Riverdale Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Riverdale residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Riverdale Georgia.