Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near Thornton Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Thornton CO and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. More and more educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many options? Some potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account also. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially 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 are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Thornton CO attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, 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 limited to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on 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 educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Thornton 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 can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Thornton CO searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced 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 training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Thornton CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective 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 issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at 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 final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. 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. A number of Thornton CO law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Thornton CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Thornton CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Thornton CO area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Thornton CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Thornton CO, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Thornton
Choose the Right Thornton Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered 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 Thornton residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence 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 irrespective of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Thornton Colorado.
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