Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Englewood Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Englewood CO and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic options are being offered 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 options to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only 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 legal assistants and paralegals assist Englewood CO attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. 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 firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really 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 take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs 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 requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Englewood CO is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Englewood CO searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Englewood CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. 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 already covered, there are other important factors to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Englewood CO law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Englewood CO law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Englewood CO legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Englewood CO region.
What is the Complete Expense? 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. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Englewood CO. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Englewood CO, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Englewood
Choose the Best Englewood Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Englewood home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Englewood Colorado.