Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Phelan CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Phelan CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Phelan CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Phelan CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Phelan CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Phelan CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Phelan CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.