Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Milford Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Milford CT and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Milford CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Milford CT is by earning a certificate, which can involve 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 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 also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Milford CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, 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 might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Milford CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Milford CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Milford CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Milford CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Milford CT area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Milford CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Milford CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Milford
Choose the Best Milford Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies certificate program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Milford residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Milford Connecticut.