Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Wallingford Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Wallingford CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students start by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just 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 legal assistants and paralegals assist Wallingford CT attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually 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 adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized 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 duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Wallingford CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be a good option for those living in Wallingford CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure 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 agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Wallingford CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start 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 as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 also. A number of Wallingford CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have 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. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Wallingford CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Wallingford CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose 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 may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Wallingford CT region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Wallingford CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Wallingford CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Wallingford
Enroll in the Best Wallingford Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training school is a vital first step to guarantee 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Wallingford residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Wallingford Connecticut.
Wallingford Paralegal Certificate Programs | Wallingford Paralegal Certificate