Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Clearlake CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Clearlake CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Clearlake CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Clearlake CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Clearlake CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Clearlake CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Clearlake CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.