Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Chino Hills CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Chino Hills CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Chino Hills CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Chino Hills CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement 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 substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Chino Hills CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Chino Hills CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Chino Hills CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.