Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Hillsborough CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 already covered, there are other significant issues to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over 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 pick need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Hillsborough CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Hillsborough CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which 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 Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Hillsborough CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish 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 assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Hillsborough CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received 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 as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Hillsborough CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Hillsborough CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.