Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near New Milford Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near New Milford CT and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply 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 considered too. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, 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 vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist New Milford CT lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as 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 work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training 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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in New Milford CT is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for individuals living in New Milford CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the New Milford CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most 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 also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of New Milford CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some New Milford CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer 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 start developing contacts within the New Milford CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the New Milford CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in New Milford CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near New Milford CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in New Milford
Choose the Right New Milford Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your New Milford residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain 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 final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in New Milford Connecticut.
New Milford Paralegal Certificate Programs | New Milford Paralegal Certificate