September 30, 2009
Paralegal School - Buy the Farm
Although not quite, “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma” the fact remains that a paralegal is still not required to pass any type of post educational exam (i.e. bar exam equivalent) in order to work in the field of law. Indeed, a surprising truth that after nearly 50 years of existence, the position of paralegal is still an unlicensed profession. However, common sense dictates that for those that do become certified comes better opportunities and increased status and therefore, more and more paralegals are taking one of the many certification exams available to them to help take their careers to the next level.
Essential fact-finding criteria to keep in mind when analyzing a paralegal program:
1. Paralegal school curriculum should focus on teaching practical job skills alongside a solid legal theory foundation. Concentration courses should revolve around topics like litigation and legal writing, legal ethics, contract and business organization. In addition to developing a usable knowledge of the law, a high quality paralegal training program will emphasize creative and critical thinking, organizational and computational skills. The overall development of the student should also be a critical objective along with some type of real world experience like an internship before graduation.
2. Who are the participants running the show? In other words, who were the people that put together the paralegal paralegal school curriculum and who are teachers? Does the teaching staff and paralegal program director have outstanding educational credentials and the field experience to bring their book knowledge to life? Minimally, the program director should have a law degree or other type of advanced degree and the faculty must have real-world experience working with paralegals but preferably as a paralegal and they must be an “expert” in the subject matter they are teaching.
3. An expanding number of paralegal schools are now offering online paralegal training. Although becoming more popular among students due to convenience, cost and flexibility you still have to ask yourself, “Is it right for me?” However, before you can make that decision you should probably find out how much interaction takes place between the instructors and students and how is the instruction presented to the students. Is interactive video used, tele-courses or some other form of delivery system?
As the old saying goes, “if you want more than just a job and you have what it takes” then in today’s uncertain economy a career in law as a paralegal, is about as good as opportunities get. Undoubtedly, opportunity knocks for those that have the required drive and training. So if you’ve been sitting on the fence; the time is now, jump down and go get your paralegal degree.
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