Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Bridgeport Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Bridgeport CT and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Bridgeport CT lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including 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 practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal 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 comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Bridgeport CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 program (we will address 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 paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Bridgeport CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Bridgeport CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a respected 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 learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Bridgeport CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research 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 prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Bridgeport CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Bridgeport CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community 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 want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Bridgeport CT area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Bridgeport CT. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Bridgeport CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Bridgeport
Enroll in the Right Bridgeport Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Bridgeport residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Bridgeport Connecticut.
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