Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Inglewood CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to research 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Inglewood CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Inglewood CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Inglewood CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering 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 great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Inglewood CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Inglewood CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Inglewood CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.