Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the West Whittier Los Nietos 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 especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to research 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 properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many West Whittier Los Nietos CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior 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 determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few West Whittier Los Nietos CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating 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 excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the West Whittier Los Nietos CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the West Whittier Los Nietos CA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in West Whittier Los Nietos CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near West Whittier Los Nietos CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.