Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Lakewood CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Lakewood CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out 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 need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Lakewood CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Lakewood CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good 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 vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Lakewood CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Lakewood CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Lakewood CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.