Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the King City CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous King City CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several King City CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the King City CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the King City CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in King City CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near King City CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.