Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Griswold Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Griswold CT and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? A number of prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered as well. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, 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 Griswold CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Griswold CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish 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, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have acquired 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 improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in Griswold CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Griswold CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to consider also, for instance 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 researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Griswold CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Griswold CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Griswold CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Griswold CT region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Griswold CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Griswold CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Griswold
Choose the Right Griswold Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Griswold residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Griswold Connecticut.