Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Long Beach CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 covered, there are other critical factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some 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 select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Long Beach CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select 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 call some Long Beach CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Long Beach CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those schools that are within the Long Beach CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Long Beach CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Long Beach CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.