Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Littleton Colorado
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Littleton CO, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Littleton CO lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Littleton CO is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the profession 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 address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for those living in Littleton CO searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater 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 school and program you are thinking about 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 formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Littleton CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Littleton CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Littleton CO law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Littleton CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire 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 reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Littleton CO region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Littleton CO. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Littleton CO, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Littleton
Enroll in the Right Littleton Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal certificate program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered 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 Littleton home. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as 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 broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Littleton Colorado.
Littleton Paralegal Certificate | Littleton Paralegal Degrees