Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Belmont CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Belmont CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, 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 an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Belmont CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Belmont CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely 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 schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Belmont CA region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies 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 talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Belmont CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Belmont CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.