What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Palmdale CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Palmdale CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Palmdale CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Palmdale CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon 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 support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Palmdale CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Palmdale CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Palmdale CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.