Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Willimantic Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Willimantic CT and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? Many potential students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for 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. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into consideration too. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options 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, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Willimantic CT lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Willimantic CT is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Willimantic CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater 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 school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Willimantic CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Willimantic CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Willimantic CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Willimantic 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 after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. 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 need to first look at those colleges that are within the Willimantic CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Willimantic CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Willimantic CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Willimantic
Enroll in the Best Willimantic Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Willimantic home. Paralegal training programs are offered 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 vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Willimantic Connecticut.
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