Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near New Canaan Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near New Canaan CT, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same 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 different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist New Canaan CT lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in New Canaan CT is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired 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 also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 program (we will address 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 paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more common and may be a good option for those living in New Canaan CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the New Canaan CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected 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 targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many New Canaan CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some New Canaan CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the New Canaan CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the New Canaan CT area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount 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 available to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in New Canaan CT. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near New Canaan CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in New Canaan
Enroll in the Best New Canaan Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your New Canaan residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in New Canaan Connecticut.
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