Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Fairmont West Virginia
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fairmont WV, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be considered too. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill 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 legal assistants and paralegals assist Fairmont WV lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. 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 attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Fairmont WV is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in West Virginia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Fairmont WV looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Fairmont WV area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective 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 important factors to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating 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 enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Fairmont WV law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Fairmont WV law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Fairmont WV legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide 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 challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with West Virginia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in West Virginia or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Fairmont WV region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, 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 also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Fairmont WV. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Fairmont WV, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Fairmont
Choose the Right Fairmont Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed 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 Fairmont residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive 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 final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Fairmont West Virginia.
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