Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Best One Near Dakota Ridge Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Dakota Ridge CO and start your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly 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 essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Dakota Ridge CO attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Dakota Ridge CO is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Dakota Ridge CO searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address 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 school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Dakota Ridge CO area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at 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 ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Dakota Ridge CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
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 special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Dakota Ridge CO law offices 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 among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Dakota Ridge CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Dakota Ridge CO area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense 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 reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Dakota Ridge CO. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Dakota Ridge CO, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Dakota Ridge
Choose the Right Dakota Ridge Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 Dakota Ridge home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence 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 rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Dakota Ridge Colorado.
Dakota Ridge How To Become A Paralegal | Dakota Ridge Paralegal Certificate Online