Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Cupertino CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 discussed, there are other critical aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Cupertino CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Cupertino CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Cupertino CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement 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 corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community 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 may want to initially look at those schools that are within the Cupertino CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Cupertino CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Cupertino CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.