Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Erie Colorado
Now that 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 picking a school. But in order to assure 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 choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by trying to find schools within traveling 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 right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's have a look at the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Erie CO is by earning a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Erie CO looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Erie CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Erie CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out 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 prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Erie CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Erie CO legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable 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 Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to work after graduation. 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 obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Erie CO region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Erie CO. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Erie CO, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Erie
Choose the Best Erie Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Erie residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Erie Colorado.
Erie Paralegal Programs | Erie Paralegal Certificate Programs