What 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 available at junior and community colleges in the Drexel Heights AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out 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 also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Drexel Heights AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Drexel Heights AZ 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 among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Drexel Heights AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically 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 help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Drexel Heights AZ area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Drexel Heights AZ. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Drexel Heights AZ, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.