Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the East Palo Alto CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if 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 driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of East Palo Alto CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few East Palo Alto CA law practices 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 the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the East Palo Alto CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those schools that are within the East Palo Alto CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in East Palo Alto CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near East Palo Alto CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
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