Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Ledyard Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Ledyard CT, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill 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 help Ledyard CT attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Ledyard CT is by earning a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Ledyard CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Ledyard CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to 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 should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Ledyard CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Ledyard CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Ledyard CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Ledyard CT region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Ledyard CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Ledyard CT, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Ledyard
Enroll in the Right Ledyard Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Ledyard home. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Ledyard Connecticut.
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