What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Kingsburg CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Kingsburg CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular 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 education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Kingsburg CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Kingsburg 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 upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those schools that are within the Kingsburg CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Kingsburg CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Kingsburg CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.