Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Plainville Connecticut
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Plainville CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? A number of potential students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be considered as well. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Plainville CT lawyers with a wide variety 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 work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, 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 work, but some of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed 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. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically 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 way to start your career as a legal assistant in Plainville CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and may be a good option for those living in Plainville CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance 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 may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Plainville CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive 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 obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Plainville CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific 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. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Plainville CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Plainville CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. 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 may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Plainville CT region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Plainville CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous 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 Plainville CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Plainville
Enroll in the Right Plainville Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies certificate school is a crucial first step toward 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 attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Plainville home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Plainville Connecticut.
Plainville Paralegal Programs | Plainville Paralegal Certificate Programs