Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Erie Colorado
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Erie CO, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. More and more academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? Many potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration too. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have 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
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Erie CO attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep 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 very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Erie CO is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Erie CO looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain 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 conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Erie CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to think about also, such as 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Erie CO law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Erie CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Erie CO legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Erie CO region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Erie CO. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Erie CO, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Erie
Enroll in the Right Erie Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Erie home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Erie Colorado.