Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Monroe Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Monroe CT, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Monroe CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready 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 challenging. 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 action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos 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 are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Monroe CT is by earning a certificate, which may 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 may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be a good option for individuals living in Monroe CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational 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 Monroe CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering 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 enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Monroe CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Monroe CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Monroe CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer 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 most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Monroe CT area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Monroe CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Monroe CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Monroe
Choose the Right Monroe Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Monroe residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as 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 programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Monroe Connecticut.