Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Killingly Center Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Killingly Center CT and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into account too. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Killingly Center CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. 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 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. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Killingly Center CT is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be an excellent option for students living in Killingly Center CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain 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 supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior 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 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 the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating 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 should be accredited by a recognized 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 learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Killingly Center CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need 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 determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Killingly Center CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Killingly Center CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large 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? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area 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 might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Killingly Center CT area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Killingly Center CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Killingly Center CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Killingly Center
Enroll in the Best Killingly Center Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is a vital 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 privacy and comfort of your Killingly Center home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect 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 program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Killingly Center Connecticut.
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