Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Parkersburg West Virginia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Parkersburg WV, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into account too. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Parkersburg WV attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because 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 discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Parkersburg WV is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in West Virginia to work as a paralegal, certification may 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 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and may be a good option for individuals living in Parkersburg WV searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Parkersburg WV area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected organization 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Parkersburg WV law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Parkersburg WV law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Parkersburg WV legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with West Virginia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in West Virginia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Parkersburg WV region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, 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 as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Parkersburg WV. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Parkersburg WV, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Parkersburg
Enroll in the Best Parkersburg Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Parkersburg residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Parkersburg West Virginia.
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