Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the West Hollywood CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 significant aspects to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many West Hollywood CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant 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 make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school 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 call several West Hollywood CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the West Hollywood CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging 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 a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those schools that are within the West Hollywood CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in West Hollywood CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near West Hollywood CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.