Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Trumbull Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Trumbull CT and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into account as well. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Trumbull CT attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their everyday activities may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Trumbull CT is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For 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 want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Trumbull CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee 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, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Trumbull CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective 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 issues to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Trumbull CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings 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 rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Trumbull CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Trumbull CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Trumbull CT region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Trumbull CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Trumbull CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Trumbull
Enroll in the Right Trumbull Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Trumbull home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Trumbull Connecticut.
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