What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Mountain Brook AL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Mountain Brook AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Mountain Brook AL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Mountain Brook AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Mountain Brook AL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Mountain Brook 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? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Mountain Brook AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.