What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Greenwood Village CO area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially 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 searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can 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 education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Greenwood Village CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Greenwood Village CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Greenwood Village CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose 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 may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Greenwood Village CO region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Greenwood Village CO. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Greenwood Village CO, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.