Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Reedley CA area, in addition to 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 the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively 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 highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Reedley CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Reedley CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Reedley CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose 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 might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Reedley CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Reedley CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Reedley CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.