Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Colchester Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Colchester CT and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? Some potential students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account also. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Colchester CT is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good option for individuals living in Colchester CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, 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 quality. 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 attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree 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 considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Colchester CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Colchester CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Colchester CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Colchester CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish 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 schools that are within the Colchester CT region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. 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 may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Colchester CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Colchester CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Colchester
Enroll in the Best Colchester Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Colchester residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Colchester Connecticut.