Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near New Haven Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near New Haven CT and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school ought to be taken into account as well. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options 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 the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, 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 Haven CT lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in New Haven CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in New Haven CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the New Haven CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many New Haven CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several New Haven CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the New Haven CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish 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 consider those colleges that are within the New Haven CT area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in New Haven CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near New Haven CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in New Haven
Enroll in the Right New Haven Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed 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 New Haven residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as 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 schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in New Haven Connecticut.
New Haven Paralegal Certificate Programs | New Haven Paralegal Certificate