What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Prichard AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Prichard AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Prichard AL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Prichard AL legal community. Find out 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 Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Prichard AL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Prichard AL. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Prichard AL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.