Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Yuba City CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. 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 also. A number of Yuba City CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Yuba City CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Yuba City CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Yuba City CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Yuba City CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Yuba City 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 choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.