What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Juneau AK area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Juneau AK law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Juneau AK law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Juneau AK legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Alaska legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Alaska or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Juneau AK area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Juneau AK. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Juneau AK, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.