Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Beaumont CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out 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 the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Beaumont CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Beaumont CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Beaumont CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Beaumont CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Beaumont CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Beaumont CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.