Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near Stafford Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Stafford CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Stafford CT lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, 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 may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more suited 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 handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Stafford CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Stafford CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Stafford CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate 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 program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Stafford CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick 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 several Stafford CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Stafford CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. 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 need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Stafford CT area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Stafford CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Stafford CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Stafford
Choose the Best Stafford Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding 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 privacy and comfort of your Stafford residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Stafford Connecticut.