What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the San Lorenzo CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of San Lorenzo CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some San Lorenzo CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the San Lorenzo CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the San Lorenzo CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in San Lorenzo CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near San Lorenzo CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.