What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Linda CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Linda CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Linda CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Linda CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose 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 initially investigate those colleges that are within the Linda CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Linda CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Linda CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.