What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Gardendale AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized 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 targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Gardendale AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Gardendale AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Gardendale AL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Gardendale AL area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Gardendale AL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Gardendale AL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.