What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Fort Payne AL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, including 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 investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fort Payne AL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Fort Payne AL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Fort Payne AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Fort Payne AL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Fort Payne AL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Fort Payne AL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.