Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Stratford Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Stratford CT and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable 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 separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Stratford CT attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep 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 complicated and very challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Stratford CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the profession 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Stratford CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Stratford CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Stratford CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
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 specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality 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 rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Stratford CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Stratford CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Stratford CT area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Stratford CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Stratford CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Stratford
Enroll in the Best Stratford Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Stratford residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Stratford Connecticut.
Stratford Paralegal Certificate Programs | Stratford Paralegal Certificate