Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Denver CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating 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 pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Denver CO law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Denver CO law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Denver CO legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. 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 area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Denver CO region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible 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 Denver CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Denver CO, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.