Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Los Osos CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can 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 potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Los Osos CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Los Osos CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Los Osos CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Los Osos CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Los Osos CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Los Osos CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.