What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Louisville 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 most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected 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 targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Louisville CO law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Louisville CO law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Louisville CO legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. 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 need to first consider those schools that are within the Louisville CO region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Louisville CO. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Louisville CO, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.