Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the East San Gabriel CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to think about as well, including 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 investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify 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 as well. Numerous East San Gabriel CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some East San Gabriel CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the East San Gabriel CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial 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 an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the East San Gabriel CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in East San Gabriel CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near East San Gabriel CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.