Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Best One Near Coventry Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Coventry CT, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many options? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered too. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Coventry CT lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
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 educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Coventry CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Coventry CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Coventry CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Coventry CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Coventry CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Coventry CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Coventry CT area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Coventry CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Coventry CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Coventry
Enroll in the Right Coventry Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Coventry residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Coventry Connecticut.