Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Princeton AL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Princeton AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Princeton AL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Princeton AL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Princeton AL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Princeton AL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Princeton AL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.