We recognized Lakewood College for offering one of Top Entry-Level, Pre-Degree Paralegal Certificate Programs, adding them to our list of top recommendations for students in the area.
We were excited to hear from Julie Beadle, faculty member at Lakewood College, who took the time to answer a few questions about how the school works to create a great student experience that helps prepare graduates for a career in the legal field.
Are you finding a lot of career changers in your program looking to get their start in the legal profession?
Julie: Students are often are seeking to make changes in their lives and view the legal profession as a great area to develop their new careers. Many Lakewood College students were formerly Service Members and are transitioning to civilian careers.
Paralegals are really getting the respect they deserve these days, and taking on more and more responsibilities on the job. How is this changing the approach to educating new paralegals?
Julie: Paralegal students must be trained to complete many of the same tasks that attorneys perform on a daily basis. When teaching them, it is important that they are given real world examples and skills to carry out complex legal research. Students must be educated in many areas of the law so they have the base of knowledge to assist in such research projects. It is also key to assist paralegal students with practical skills such as multi-tasking so they are able to deal with the demands placed upon them in their new profession.
Does the program at your school include an internship and are faculty available to help students find one?
Julie: Students in both programs are not currently required to complete an internship but Lakewood College’s Career Services assists students in obtaining internships and job placement.
What are some of the things you love most about the paralegal program at your school – the kind of things you’d like future students to know about as they consider their options?
Julie: Lakewood College’s paralegal program is filled with many knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors who strive to engage students and aid them in their journey. Lakewood is committed to ensuring that each student has all of the tools necessary to succeed in their education as well as their future careers. Students can expect that they will be given the attention they need to truly understand the material and become successful paralegals.
Check out our full interview series here to see what other professors and faculty are saying about their paralegal programs.