What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Sun Lakes AZ area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Sun Lakes AZ law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. 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 training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Sun Lakes AZ law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Sun Lakes AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Sun Lakes AZ area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Sun Lakes AZ. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Sun Lakes AZ, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.