What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Eureka CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Eureka CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Eureka CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep 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 Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Eureka CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Eureka CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Eureka CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Eureka CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.