Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near Torrington Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Torrington CT and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only 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 paralegals and legal assistants assist Torrington CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
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 opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Torrington CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish 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 as well. After 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 practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and may be a good option for individuals living in Torrington CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Torrington CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Torrington CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Torrington CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Torrington CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Torrington CT region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Torrington CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Torrington CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Torrington
Enroll in the Right Torrington Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Torrington home. Paralegal education programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection 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 programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Torrington Connecticut.
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