What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Costa Mesa CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. 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 as well. Many Costa Mesa CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn 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 experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select 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 some Costa Mesa CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Costa Mesa CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Costa Mesa CA area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Costa Mesa CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Costa Mesa CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.