Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Glasgow Delaware
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Glasgow DE, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on 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. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover 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 what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, 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 Glasgow DE lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties 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 transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably 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 Glasgow DE is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Delaware to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Glasgow DE searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Glasgow DE area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add 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 driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Glasgow DE law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Glasgow DE law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Glasgow DE legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Delaware legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Delaware or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop 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 practice. 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 may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Glasgow DE area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Glasgow DE. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Glasgow DE, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Glasgow
Choose the Right Glasgow Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Glasgow home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Glasgow Delaware.