Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Chatsworth CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Chatsworth CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Chatsworth CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Chatsworth CA legal field. Ask 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 offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish 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 go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Chatsworth CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. 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 as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Chatsworth CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Chatsworth CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.