Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Stamford Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Stamford CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
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 requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Stamford CT is by earning a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and can be an excellent option for students living in Stamford CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Stamford CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out 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 also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Stamford CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Stamford CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Stamford CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. 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 may want to first look at those colleges that are within the Stamford CT area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Stamford CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Stamford CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Stamford
Enroll in the Right Stamford Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Stamford residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Stamford Connecticut.