What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Phoenix AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. 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 also. A number of Phoenix AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Phoenix AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. 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 give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Phoenix AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools 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 substantial networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Phoenix AZ area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Phoenix AZ. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Phoenix AZ, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.