Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Trussville AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering 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 choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Trussville AL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Trussville AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Trussville AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Trussville AL region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Trussville AL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Trussville AL, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.