Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near East Hampton Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near East Hampton CT, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help East Hampton 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 duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree 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 a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in East Hampton CT is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for those living in East Hampton CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the East Hampton CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of East Hampton CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some East Hampton CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the East Hampton CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want 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 may want to initially consider those schools that are within the East Hampton CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include 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 expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in East Hampton CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near East Hampton CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in East Hampton
Enroll in the Right East Hampton Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your East Hampton home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in East Hampton Connecticut.
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