Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Seal Beach CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. 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 also. A number of Seal Beach CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program 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 some Seal Beach CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Seal Beach CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Seal Beach CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Seal Beach CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Seal Beach CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.