What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Pinole CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must 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 also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Pinole CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Pinole CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Pinole CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement 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 in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Pinole CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Pinole CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Pinole CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.