Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Black Forest CO area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Black Forest CO law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Black Forest CO law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Black Forest CO legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those schools that are within the Black Forest CO area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Black Forest CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Black Forest CO, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.