Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the West Covina CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous West Covina CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few West Covina CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the West Covina CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the West Covina CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in West Covina CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near West Covina CA, verify 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, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.