Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Simsbury Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Simsbury CT and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Simsbury CT attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly 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 launch your career as a paralegal in Simsbury CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost 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 earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Simsbury CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover 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 program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Simsbury CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Simsbury CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal 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 education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Simsbury CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Simsbury CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Simsbury CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Simsbury CT. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Simsbury CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Simsbury
Choose the Right Simsbury Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Simsbury home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Simsbury Connecticut.
Simsbury Paralegal Programs | Simsbury Paralegal Certificate Programs