Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Simsbury Connecticut
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Simsbury CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into account as well. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Simsbury CT lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Simsbury CT is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for those living in Simsbury CT looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss 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 certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Simsbury CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 aspects to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Simsbury CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Simsbury CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep 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 Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Simsbury CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Simsbury CT area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Simsbury CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Simsbury CT, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Simsbury
Choose the Right Simsbury Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Simsbury residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Simsbury Connecticut.