Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Hemet 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 especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Hemet CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Hemet CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Hemet CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Hemet CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hemet CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Hemet 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 makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.