Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Southbury Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Southbury CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Southbury CT lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, 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. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted 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, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Southbury CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for 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 extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for those living in Southbury CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
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 because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Southbury CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Southbury CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Southbury CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide 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 begin establishing contacts within the Southbury CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs 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? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Southbury CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Southbury CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Southbury CT, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Southbury
Choose the Best Southbury Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Southbury home. Paralegal training programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade 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 broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Southbury Connecticut.