Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near Westminster Colorado
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Westminster CO and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Westminster CO lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their daily tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep 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 quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Westminster CO is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Colorado to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be a good option for individuals living in Westminster CO looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Westminster CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Westminster CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose 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 call several Westminster CO law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Westminster CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Westminster CO region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Westminster CO. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Westminster CO, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Westminster
Enroll in the Right Westminster Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Westminster home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Westminster Colorado.
Westminster Paralegal Certificate Programs | Westminster Paralegal Certificate