Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near New Milford Connecticut
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near New Milford CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into consideration too. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available 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 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 different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist New Milford CT lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in New Milford CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations in the profession 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 two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in New Milford CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive 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 structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the New Milford CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many New Milford CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few New Milford CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the New Milford CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those schools that are within the New Milford CT region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in New Milford CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near New Milford CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in New Milford
Enroll in the Best New Milford Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your New Milford home. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education 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 final selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in New Milford Connecticut.
New Milford How To Become A Paralegal | New Milford Paralegal Certificate Online