Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Agoura CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Agoura CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Agoura CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could 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 operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Agoura CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Agoura CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Agoura CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Agoura CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.