Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Boulder Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Boulder CO and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, 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 should consider. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Boulder CO attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as 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 firm might help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more suited 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 preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Boulder CO is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for students living in Boulder CO looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online 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 program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right option 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 offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Boulder CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. 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. A number of Boulder CO law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Boulder CO law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Boulder CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Boulder CO region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Boulder CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Boulder CO, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, 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 due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Boulder
Enroll in the Best Boulder Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Boulder residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of 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 evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Boulder Colorado.