Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near Norwalk Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Norwalk CT, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you find the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. 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 essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, 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 assist Norwalk CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Norwalk CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and may be a good alternative for those living in Norwalk CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Norwalk CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Norwalk CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Norwalk CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Norwalk CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select 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 local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Norwalk CT area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. 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 as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Norwalk CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Norwalk CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Norwalk
Enroll in the Best Norwalk Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Norwalk home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Norwalk Connecticut.
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