Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the East Haven CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected organization 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 distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of East Haven 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 schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some East Haven CT law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, 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 practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the East Haven CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the East Haven CT region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in East Haven CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near East Haven CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.