Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Corona CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Corona CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Corona CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Corona CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Corona CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Corona CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Corona CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.