Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Warner Robins Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Warner Robins GA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve 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 academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous alternatives? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Warner Robins GA lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Warner Robins GA is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned 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 also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits 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 Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Warner Robins GA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Warner Robins GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Warner Robins 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 available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Warner Robins GA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Warner Robins GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. 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 wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Warner Robins GA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Warner Robins GA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Warner Robins GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Warner Robins
Enroll in the Best Warner Robins Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Warner Robins residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Warner Robins Georgia.
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