Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Griswold Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Griswold CT and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. There are several other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Griswold CT lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. 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 action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Griswold CT is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and receive a certification. Although 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 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 address 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.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Griswold CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary 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 address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Griswold CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to research as well, 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 considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Griswold CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent 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 be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Griswold CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive 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 reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those schools that are within the Griswold CT area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Griswold CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Griswold CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Griswold
Enroll in the Right Griswold Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Griswold residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Griswold Connecticut.
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