What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Sun City CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and 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 school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Sun City CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking 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 some Sun City CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Sun City CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those schools that are within the Sun City CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Sun City CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Sun City CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.