What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Hockessin DE area, as well as trade and vocational 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 degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Hockessin DE law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Hockessin DE law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Hockessin DE legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Delaware legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Delaware or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. 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 want to initially look at those schools that are within the Hockessin DE area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Hockessin DE. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Hockessin DE, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.