Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Stockbridge Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Stockbridge GA and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are becoming available, both on campus and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many potential students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. There are various other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you need to 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 options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Stockbridge GA is by earning a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in Stockbridge GA searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Stockbridge GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Stockbridge GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Stockbridge GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Stockbridge GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask 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 great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Stockbridge GA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Stockbridge GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Stockbridge 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 enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Stockbridge
Choose the Best Stockbridge Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate 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 Stockbridge residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training 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 final selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Stockbridge Georgia.
Stockbridge Paralegal Certificate Programs | Stockbridge Paralegal Certificate