Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Fairfield Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Fairfield CT and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. More and more academic 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. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many options? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have a look at the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Fairfield CT is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want 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 career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be an excellent option for those living in Fairfield CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Fairfield CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical 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 programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal 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 school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Fairfield CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations 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 need 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 determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Fairfield CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Fairfield CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Fairfield CT area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Fairfield CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Fairfield CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Fairfield
Choose the Right Fairfield Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 comfort and privacy of your Fairfield home. Paralegal education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Fairfield Connecticut.
Fairfield Paralegal Certificate | Fairfield Paralegal Degrees