Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Half Moon Bay CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include 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 commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Half Moon Bay CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Half Moon Bay CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Half Moon Bay CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable 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? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Half Moon Bay CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Half Moon Bay CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Half Moon Bay CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.