Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Killingly Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Killingly CT and start your journey that will result in a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students start by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program must be considered as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic 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 comparable job roles and functions, just 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 assist Killingly CT lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, 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 might help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle 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. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Killingly CT is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in Killingly CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Killingly CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Killingly CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Killingly CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Killingly CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering 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 good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly 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 wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Killingly CT region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Killingly CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Killingly CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Killingly
Enroll in the Right Killingly Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee 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 participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Killingly home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of 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 assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Killingly Connecticut.
Killingly How To Become A Paralegal | Killingly Paralegal Certificate Online