Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Greeley Colorado
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Greeley CO, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be considered too. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available 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, 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 paralegals and legal assistants help Greeley CO attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally 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 comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
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. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Greeley CO is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for those living in Greeley CO looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee 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 respected organization, for example 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 could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Greeley CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick 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 focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Greeley CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Greeley CO law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Greeley CO legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Greeley CO region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Greeley CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance 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 in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Greeley CO, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Greeley
Enroll in the Best Greeley Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Greeley home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Greeley Colorado.
Greeley Paralegal Training | Greeley How To Become A Paralegal