Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Killingly Connecticut
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Killingly CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? Some potential students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Killingly CT attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand 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 volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs 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 fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Killingly CT is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Killingly CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary 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 discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Killingly CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Killingly CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Killingly CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Killingly CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Killingly CT region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Killingly CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Killingly CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Killingly
Choose the Best Killingly Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed 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 Killingly home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Killingly Connecticut.
Killingly Paralegal Certificate Programs | Killingly Paralegal Certificate