Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Plymouth Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Plymouth CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you locate the best school so that you will get 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 academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you need to consider. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Plymouth CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Plymouth CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Plymouth CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know 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 as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal 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 may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Plymouth CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Plymouth CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation 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 exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Plymouth CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Plymouth CT region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, 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 assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Plymouth CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Plymouth CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Plymouth
Choose the Best Plymouth Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Plymouth residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Plymouth Connecticut.
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