Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Montrose Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Montrose CO and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account also. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Montrose CO attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather 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 confined to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually 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 way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Montrose CO is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might 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 maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 degree or certificate 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be an excellent option for those living in Montrose CO looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Montrose CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential 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 important aspects to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating 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 highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Montrose CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Montrose CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Montrose CO legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Montrose CO region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Montrose CO. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Montrose 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 select offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Montrose
Choose the Best Montrose Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed 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 Montrose residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Montrose Colorado.
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