Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the El Sobrante CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to think about as well, such as 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many El Sobrante CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several El Sobrante CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the El Sobrante CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those schools that are within the El Sobrante CA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in El Sobrante CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near El Sobrante CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.