Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Tustin CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Tustin CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Tustin CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Tustin CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. 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 sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Tustin CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Tustin CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Tustin CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.