Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Woodland Hills CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Woodland Hills CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable 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 special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Woodland Hills CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Woodland Hills CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Woodland Hills CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Woodland Hills CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Woodland Hills CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.