Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Rome Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Rome GA and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into account as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective 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 what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Rome GA lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Rome GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for students living in Rome GA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Rome GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Rome GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Rome GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Rome GA legal field. 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 Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those schools that are within the Rome GA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Rome GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Rome GA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Rome
Enroll in the Right Rome Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal degree school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Rome residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as 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 broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Rome Georgia.