Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Derby Connecticut
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Derby CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Derby CT lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because 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 otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch 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 require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be a good alternative for students living in Derby CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Derby CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Derby CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Derby CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Derby 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 Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing 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 good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Derby CT region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Derby CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Derby CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Derby
Enroll in the Right Derby Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Derby home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to receive 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 ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Derby Connecticut.