Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Derby Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Derby CT, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Derby CT is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide 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 available as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages 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 Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be a good option for those living in Derby CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover 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 program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Derby CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Derby CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Derby CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Derby CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those colleges that are within the Derby CT region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Derby CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Derby CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Derby
Enroll in the Right Derby Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies certificate school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Derby residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available 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 profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Derby Connecticut.