What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Albany CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain 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 quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Albany CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Albany CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Albany CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Albany CA region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Albany CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Albany CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.