Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Ansonia Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Ansonia CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions 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 searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing 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
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill 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 separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Ansonia CT attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare 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 complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Ansonia CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure 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 common and can be a good option for individuals living in Ansonia CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Ansonia CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Ansonia CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Ansonia CT law offices that you may have an interest 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 excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Ansonia CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Ansonia CT area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Ansonia CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Ansonia CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Ansonia
Enroll in the Right Ansonia Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Ansonia home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Ansonia Connecticut.