Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Middletown Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Middletown CT and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school must be taken into account also. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Middletown CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably 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 Middletown CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though 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 also. 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 school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Middletown CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Middletown CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. 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 discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation 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 effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Middletown CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs 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 caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Middletown CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Middletown CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Middletown CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Middletown CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Middletown CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Middletown
Choose the Right Middletown Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Middletown home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, 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 objective to become a successful paralegal in Middletown Connecticut.
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