Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Glastonbury Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Glastonbury CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you find the right program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered also. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Glastonbury CT attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Glastonbury CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations in the field 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Glastonbury CT looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Glastonbury CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must 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 degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Glastonbury CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Glastonbury CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Glastonbury CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Glastonbury CT region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, 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 might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Glastonbury CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Glastonbury CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Glastonbury
Enroll in the Best Glastonbury Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Glastonbury residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Glastonbury Connecticut.
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