Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lafayette CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial 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 investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lafayette CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Lafayette CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Lafayette CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication 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 Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Lafayette CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost 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 offset part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lafayette CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Lafayette CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.