Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Fairfield Connecticut
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Fairfield CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s important that you locate the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are being offered 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 numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration too. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Fairfield CT is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can 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 an option also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for those living in Fairfield CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs 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 caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Fairfield CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to think about also, 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 properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fairfield CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Fairfield CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Fairfield CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain 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 might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Fairfield CT area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Fairfield CT. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Fairfield CT, make sure 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 process 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
Enroll in the Right Fairfield Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 comfort and privacy of your Fairfield home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Fairfield Connecticut.
Fairfield Paralegal Programs | Fairfield Paralegal Certificate Programs