Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Windsor Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Windsor CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s essential that you find the best program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Windsor CT lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps 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 legal assistant in Windsor CT is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 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 numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and can be a good alternative for students living in Windsor CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Windsor CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Windsor CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Windsor CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Windsor CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Windsor CT area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Windsor CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Windsor CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Windsor
Enroll in the Right Windsor Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal training program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Windsor residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Windsor Connecticut.