Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Dover DE area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating 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 highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Dover DE law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Dover DE law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Dover DE legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Delaware legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Delaware or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Dover DE region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure 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 accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Dover DE. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, 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 continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Dover DE, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.