Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Cheshire Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Cheshire CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into consideration too. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill 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 separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Cheshire CT lawyers with a wide variety 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 practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Cheshire CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be an excellent option for students living in Cheshire CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Cheshire CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Cheshire CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Cheshire CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Cheshire CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Cheshire CT region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be 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 program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Cheshire CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Cheshire
Enroll in the Best Cheshire Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Cheshire residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire 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 ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Cheshire Connecticut.