Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Hartselle AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Hartselle AL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Hartselle AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Hartselle AL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those schools that are within the Hartselle AL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hartselle AL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Hartselle AL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.