Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Colorado Springs Colorado
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Colorado Springs CO, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Colorado Springs CO lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Colorado Springs CO is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Colorado Springs CO searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover 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 reputable organization, for instance 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 may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Colorado Springs CO area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over 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 Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Colorado Springs CO law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Colorado Springs CO law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Colorado Springs CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Colorado Springs CO region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Colorado Springs CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as 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 solely attend weekend or evening classes near Colorado Springs CO, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Colorado Springs
Enroll in the Best Colorado Springs Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding 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 Colorado Springs residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Colorado Springs Colorado.
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