Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Plainfield Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Plainfield CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be considered as well. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially 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 means to start your career as a legal assistant in Plainfield CT is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained 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 work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial 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 students living in Plainfield CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more 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 school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Plainfield CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to think about also, including 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 considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Plainfield CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Plainfield CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Plainfield CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly 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 located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Plainfield CT region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Plainfield CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Plainfield CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Plainfield
Choose the Best Plainfield Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Plainfield home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Plainfield Connecticut.
Plainfield Paralegal Certificate | Plainfield Paralegal Degrees