What to Ask Paralegal 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 considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Orangevale CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Orangevale CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Orangevale CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Orangevale CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Orangevale CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Orangevale CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Orangevale CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.