Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Best One Near Mansfield Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Mansfield CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have 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 fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, 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 category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Mansfield CT attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give 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 truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Mansfield CT is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Mansfield CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Mansfield CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most 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 crucial aspects to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Mansfield CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Mansfield CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Mansfield CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement 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 highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those schools that are within the Mansfield CT region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Mansfield CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Mansfield CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Mansfield
Enroll in the Best Mansfield Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Mansfield home. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Mansfield Connecticut.