Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Clifton Colorado
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Clifton CO, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling 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 best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered as well. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Clifton CO lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite 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 proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more suited 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Clifton CO is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Clifton CO searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure 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 dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Clifton CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Clifton CO law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Clifton CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Clifton CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Clifton CO region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Clifton CO. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Clifton CO, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Clifton
Choose the Best Clifton Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Clifton home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Clifton Colorado.