Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Jurupa Valley CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable 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 focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Jurupa Valley CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose 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 Jurupa Valley CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Jurupa Valley CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Jurupa Valley CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary 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 add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Jurupa Valley CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Jurupa Valley CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.