Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Mead Valley CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Mead Valley CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Mead Valley CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Mead Valley CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Mead Valley CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, 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 as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Mead Valley CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Mead Valley CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.