Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Commerce City CO area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential 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 significant factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Commerce City CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available 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 entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Commerce City CO law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Commerce City CO legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local 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 charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those schools that are within the Commerce City CO region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Commerce City CO. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Commerce City CO, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.