Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Wolcott Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Wolcott CT, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration too. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Wolcott CT attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly 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 standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Wolcott CT is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory 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 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Wolcott CT looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Wolcott CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective 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 think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Wolcott CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
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 specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Wolcott CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Wolcott CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Wolcott CT region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Wolcott CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Wolcott CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Wolcott
Enroll in the Right Wolcott Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Wolcott residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Wolcott Connecticut.