Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Berkeley CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most 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 important factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Berkeley CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Berkeley CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what 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 School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Berkeley CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Berkeley CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Berkeley CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Berkeley CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.