Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Aliso Viejo CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Aliso Viejo CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Aliso Viejo CA 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 rated, 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 establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Aliso Viejo CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide 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 want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Aliso Viejo CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Aliso Viejo CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Aliso Viejo CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.