Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Cheshire Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Cheshire CT and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Cheshire CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, 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 are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more applicable 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Cheshire CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be a good option for individuals living in Cheshire CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Cheshire CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can 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 looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, including 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 investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose 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 obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Cheshire CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
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 special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Cheshire CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Cheshire CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose 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 might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Cheshire CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Cheshire CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Cheshire CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Cheshire
Choose the Best Cheshire Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Cheshire residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Cheshire Connecticut.
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