What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Patterson CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Patterson CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select 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 some Patterson CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Patterson CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Patterson CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Patterson CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Patterson CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.