Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Alpine CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Alpine CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Alpine CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, 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 firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Alpine CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing 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 California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Alpine CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Alpine CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Alpine CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.