Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Pacifica CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know 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 start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Pacifica CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Pacifica CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Pacifica CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering 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 confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Pacifica CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, 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 aid may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Pacifica CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Pacifica CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.