Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Savannah Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Savannah GA and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational options 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 with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration as well. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are basically 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 quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Savannah GA is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After 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 work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Savannah GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Savannah GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Savannah GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Savannah GA law firms 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 among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Savannah GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Savannah GA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained 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 books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Savannah GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Savannah GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Savannah
Choose the Right Savannah Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Savannah home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Savannah Georgia.
Savannah Paralegal Programs | Savannah Paralegal Certificate Programs