What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Atwater CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Atwater CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Atwater CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which 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 outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Atwater CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid 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 sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Atwater CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, 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 aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Atwater CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Atwater CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.