Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near East Windsor Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near East Windsor CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be considered too. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered 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. 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 legal assistants and paralegals help East Windsor CT attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in East Windsor CT is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in East Windsor CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the East Windsor CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many East Windsor CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some East Windsor CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the East Windsor CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great 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 vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those schools that are within the East Windsor CT area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in East Windsor CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near East Windsor CT, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in East Windsor
Choose the Best East Windsor Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your East Windsor home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, 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 ideal education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in East Windsor Connecticut.
East Windsor Paralegal Certificate Online | East Windsor Paralegal Studies