Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Saraland AL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Saraland AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Saraland AL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Saraland AL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign 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 Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Saraland AL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Saraland AL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Saraland AL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.