Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Pomona CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Pomona CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Pomona CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Pomona CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Pomona CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Pomona CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Pomona CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.