Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Erie Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Erie CO and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program should be considered too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same 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 are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Erie CO attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 means to start your career as a paralegal in Erie CO is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be a good alternative for students living in Erie CO searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Erie CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. 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. Numerous Erie CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Erie CO law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Erie CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even 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 may need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Erie CO region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, 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 also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Erie CO. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Erie CO, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Erie
Enroll in the Right Erie Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Erie residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Erie Colorado.