Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near East Haven Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near East Haven CT and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist East Haven CT lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready 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 rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties 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 handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in East Haven CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 certificate or degree 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and may be a good option for those living in East Haven CT looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the East Haven CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, including 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 considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get 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 quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous East Haven CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick 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 contact a few East Haven CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the East Haven CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the East Haven CT region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in East Haven CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near East Haven 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 enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in East Haven
Enroll in the Right East Haven Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your East Haven residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in East Haven Connecticut.
East Haven Paralegal Training | East Haven How To Become A Paralegal