Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near North Haven Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near North Haven CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you locate the right program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into account also. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, only 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help North Haven CT attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, 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 firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps 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 start your career as a legal assistant in North Haven CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in North Haven CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the North Haven CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous North Haven CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select 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 contact a few North Haven CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the North Haven CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial 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. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the North Haven CT area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in North Haven CT. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near North Haven CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in North Haven
Enroll in the Right North Haven Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal certificate program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your North Haven residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in North Haven Connecticut.
North Haven Paralegal Studies | North Haven Paralegal Schools