Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lake Arrowhead CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Lake Arrowhead CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific 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 program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Lake Arrowhead CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Lake Arrowhead CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Lake Arrowhead CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Lake Arrowhead CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Lake Arrowhead CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.