Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Teays Valley West Virginia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Teays Valley WV and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? Many prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be considered also. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Teays Valley WV lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, 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 confined to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
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. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Teays Valley WV is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in West Virginia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Teays Valley WV searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Teays Valley WV area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn 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 most potential 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 critical factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization 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 targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Teays Valley WV law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Teays Valley WV law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Teays Valley WV legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with West Virginia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in West Virginia or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Teays Valley WV region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Teays Valley WV. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Teays Valley WV, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Teays Valley
Enroll in the Best Teays Valley Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal training program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Teays Valley residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Teays Valley West Virginia.
Teays Valley Paralegal Certificate Programs | Teays Valley Paralegal Certificate