What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the San Rafael CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of San Rafael CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered 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 contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some San Rafael CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the San Rafael CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon 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 field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the San Rafael CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in San Rafael CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near San Rafael CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.