Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Palos Verdes Estates CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Palos Verdes Estates CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick 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 call some Palos Verdes Estates CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School 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 offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Palos Verdes Estates CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want 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 initially look at those colleges that are within the Palos Verdes Estates CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Palos Verdes Estates CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Palos Verdes Estates CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.