Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Hueytown AL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Hueytown AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select 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 Hueytown AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Hueytown AL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Hueytown AL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hueytown AL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Hueytown AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.