Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose 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 start the process of selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous alternatives? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Warner Robins GA attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Warner Robins GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at many 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 degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Warner Robins GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Warner Robins GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Warner Robins GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Warner Robins GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Warner Robins GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Warner Robins GA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Warner Robins GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Warner Robins GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Warner Robins
Choose the Right Warner Robins Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, 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 training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating 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 be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Warner Robins Georgia.
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