Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Montrose Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Montrose CO and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous options? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only 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 category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Montrose CO attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties 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 documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, 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 administrative or clerical functions 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, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Montrose CO is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer 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, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be a good option for individuals living in Montrose CO looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training 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 agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Montrose CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Montrose CO law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Montrose CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among 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 operation while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Montrose CO legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating 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 most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those colleges that are within the Montrose CO area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Montrose CO. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Montrose CO, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Montrose
Choose the Best Montrose Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Montrose home. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Montrose Colorado.