Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Hamden Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Hamden CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Hamden CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Hamden CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose 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 increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Hamden CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Hamden CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare 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 potential 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 factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hamden CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Hamden CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Hamden CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Hamden CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hamden CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Hamden CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Hamden
Choose the Best Hamden Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Hamden residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade 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 broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Hamden Connecticut.
Hamden Paralegal Certificate Online | Hamden Paralegal Studies