Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Benton AR area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, 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 get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Benton AR law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Benton AR law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Benton AR legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Arkansas or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Benton AR region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Benton AR. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Benton AR, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.