Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Killingly Center Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Killingly Center CT and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational choices are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into account also. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions 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 assist Killingly Center CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Killingly Center CT is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Killingly Center CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Killingly Center CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to 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 prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get 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 get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Killingly Center CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Killingly Center CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, 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 operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Killingly Center CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing 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 undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask 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 sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Killingly Center CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Killingly Center CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Killingly Center CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Killingly Center
Choose the Best Killingly Center Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Killingly Center residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Killingly Center Connecticut.
Killingly Center Paralegal Certificate Online | Killingly Center Paralegal Studies