Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Monterey CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about as well, such as 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 properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Monterey CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Monterey CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Monterey CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large 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? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Monterey CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Monterey CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Monterey CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.