Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Hartford Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Hartford CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find 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 legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program should be considered also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But first, 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 essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Hartford CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the profession 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be a good alternative for those living in Hartford CT looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school 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 conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Hartford CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly 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 recognized 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 learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Hartford CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Hartford CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Hartford CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Hartford CT region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, 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 also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Hartford CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Hartford CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Hartford
Choose the Best Hartford Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal 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 choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Hartford home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Hartford Connecticut.