Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Lake Los Angeles CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most 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 important factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Lake Los Angeles CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular 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. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Lake Los Angeles CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the Lake Los Angeles CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Lake Los Angeles CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Lake Los Angeles CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Lake Los Angeles CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.