Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Anaheim CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, for instance 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 ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Anaheim CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Anaheim CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Anaheim CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Anaheim CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Anaheim CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Anaheim CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.