Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Newark CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Newark CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Newark CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Newark CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose 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 might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Newark CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. 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 part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Newark CA. Needless to say that if you choose 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 continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Newark CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.