Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Torrington Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Torrington CT and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are various other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Torrington CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish 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 school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for those living in Torrington CT searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least 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 reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Torrington CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. 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 covered, there are other significant factors to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Torrington CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine 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 which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Torrington CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing 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 undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent 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 Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Torrington CT area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Torrington CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. 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 program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Torrington
Choose the Best Torrington Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate 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 on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Torrington home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Torrington Connecticut.
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