Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Hockessin Delaware
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Hockessin DE and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program should be considered 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 before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Hockessin DE lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Hockessin DE is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Delaware to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Hockessin DE searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater 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 program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Hockessin DE area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hockessin DE law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school 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 contact several Hockessin DE law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Hockessin DE legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Delaware legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Delaware or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Hockessin DE region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, 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, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Hockessin DE, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Hockessin
Choose the Right Hockessin Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree program is an essential 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Hockessin home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide 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 opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Hockessin Delaware.
Hockessin Paralegal Training | Hockessin How To Become A Paralegal