Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Wilton Connecticut
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Wilton CT and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's take a look at the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
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 requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Wilton CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Wilton CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Wilton 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 particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Wilton CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to 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 services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Wilton CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Wilton CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Wilton CT region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Wilton CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Wilton CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Wilton
Enroll in the Best Wilton Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Wilton home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your training 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 ultimate selection. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Wilton Connecticut.