Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Alabaster AL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. 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 covered, there are other important factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Alabaster AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Alabaster AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Alabaster AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. 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 might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Alabaster AL area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Alabaster AL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Alabaster AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.