What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Maricopa AZ area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential 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 significant issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Maricopa AZ law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific 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. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Maricopa AZ law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Maricopa AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer 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 undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Maricopa AZ region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Maricopa AZ. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Maricopa AZ, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.