Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Willimantic Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Willimantic CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students begin by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. There are several other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Willimantic CT lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients 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. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Willimantic CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose 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 boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the field 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Willimantic CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Willimantic CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
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 program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Willimantic CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select 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 several Willimantic CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Willimantic CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Willimantic CT region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained 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 also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Willimantic CT. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Willimantic CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Willimantic
Enroll in the Best Willimantic Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal training school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Willimantic residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Willimantic Connecticut.
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