Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Best One Near Dover Delaware
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Dover DE, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into account as well. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Dover DE lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting 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 involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage 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 perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Dover DE is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Delaware to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Dover DE looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Dover DE area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Dover DE law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. 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 caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Dover DE law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Dover DE legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Delaware legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Delaware or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. 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 might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Dover DE region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Dover DE. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Dover DE, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Dover
Enroll in the Best Dover Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Dover home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as 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 schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Dover Delaware.