Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Darien Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Darien CT and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? Many prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Darien CT attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly 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 mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, 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 restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Darien CT is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Darien CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Darien CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Darien CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Darien CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Darien CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Darien CT region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Darien CT. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Darien CT, make certain 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. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Darien
Enroll in the Best Darien Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Darien home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding 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 have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Darien Connecticut.