Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Highlands Ranch Colorado
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Highlands Ranch CO, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable 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 a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Highlands Ranch CO lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, 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 firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly 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 launch your career as a paralegal in Highlands Ranch CO is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Highlands Ranch CO looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional 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 discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Highlands Ranch CO area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training 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 can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Highlands Ranch CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Highlands Ranch CO law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Highlands Ranch CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates 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 beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Highlands Ranch CO region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Highlands Ranch CO. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Highlands Ranch CO, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Highlands Ranch
Choose the Best Highlands Ranch Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Highlands Ranch residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Highlands Ranch Colorado.
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