Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Stockbridge Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Stockbridge GA and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, 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 like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be considered too. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Stockbridge GA lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Stockbridge GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in Stockbridge GA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online 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 caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Stockbridge GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many 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 significant aspects to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify 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 as well. A number of Stockbridge GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Stockbridge GA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the Stockbridge GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Stockbridge GA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Stockbridge GA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Stockbridge GA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Stockbridge
Enroll in the Best Stockbridge Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Stockbridge residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Stockbridge Georgia.
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