Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Enfield Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Enfield 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 receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Enfield CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving 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 authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Enfield CT is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for those living in Enfield CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee 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 instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Enfield CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can 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 most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Enfield CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Enfield CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Enfield CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Enfield CT region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Enfield CT. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Enfield CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Enfield
Choose the Best Enfield Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Enfield residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Enfield Connecticut.