Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Porterville CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Porterville CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose 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 several Porterville CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Porterville CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Porterville CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length 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 aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Porterville CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Porterville CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.