What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Avon CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Avon CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Avon CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Avon CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Avon CT area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Avon CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Avon CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.