Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Cherry Creek Colorado
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Cherry Creek CO, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you find the best program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. 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 just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Cherry Creek CO attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including 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 are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Cherry Creek CO is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Cherry Creek CO searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Cherry Creek CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add 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 already covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Cherry Creek CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession 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 select 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 several Cherry Creek CO law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give 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 start establishing contacts within the Cherry Creek CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask 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 sizable networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Cherry Creek CO region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Cherry Creek CO. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Cherry Creek CO, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Cherry Creek
Enroll in the Best Cherry Creek Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Cherry Creek home. Paralegal education programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Cherry Creek Colorado.
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