Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Norwalk Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Norwalk CT and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Norwalk CT is by earning a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important 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 programs have become more popular and may be a good option for students living in Norwalk CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education 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 organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Norwalk CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Norwalk CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Norwalk CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Norwalk CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive 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 reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Norwalk CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Norwalk CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Norwalk CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Norwalk
Enroll in the Right Norwalk Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Norwalk residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Norwalk Connecticut.
Norwalk Paralegal Training | Norwalk How To Become A Paralegal