What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the San Luis 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 as well. If you are like most 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 important factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of San Luis AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out 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 profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few San Luis AZ law firms 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 could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the San Luis AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after 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 assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the San Luis AZ region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in San Luis AZ. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near San Luis AZ, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.