Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Greenwich Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Greenwich CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students start by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Greenwich CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose 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 maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 earning 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 Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Greenwich CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum 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 reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Greenwich CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Greenwich CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Greenwich CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Greenwich CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Greenwich CT region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Greenwich CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Greenwich CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Greenwich
Enroll in the Right Greenwich Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies training school is a vital 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 on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Greenwich home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior 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 career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Greenwich Connecticut.
Greenwich Paralegal Programs | Greenwich Paralegal Certificate Programs