What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the East Los Angeles CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out 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 also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of East Los Angeles CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some East Los Angeles CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin developing contacts within the East Los Angeles CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the East Los Angeles CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in East Los Angeles CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near East Los Angeles CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.