Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Valdosta Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Valdosta GA and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account too. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Valdosta GA attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Valdosta GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Valdosta GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Valdosta GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools 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 enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Valdosta GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Valdosta GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Valdosta GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high 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 graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. 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 want to first investigate those schools that are within the Valdosta GA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Valdosta GA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Valdosta GA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Valdosta
Enroll in the Right Valdosta Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Valdosta residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Valdosta Georgia.