Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the La Canada Flintridge CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many La Canada Flintridge CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some La Canada Flintridge CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the La Canada Flintridge CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the La Canada Flintridge CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ 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. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in La Canada Flintridge CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near La Canada Flintridge CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.