Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Plymouth Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Plymouth CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into consideration also. We will address 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 take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Plymouth CT lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Plymouth CT is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and may be a good option for those living in Plymouth CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Plymouth CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Plymouth CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select 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 a few Plymouth CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what 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 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 present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Plymouth CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial 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 success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. 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 need to first investigate those schools that are within the Plymouth CT area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Plymouth CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Plymouth CT, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Plymouth
Choose the Right Plymouth Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Plymouth home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Plymouth Connecticut.
Plymouth Paralegal Certificate Programs | Plymouth Paralegal Certificate