What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Fairfield CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching 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 accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Fairfield CT law firms will only hire 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 Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose 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 several Fairfield CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Fairfield CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Fairfield CT area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Fairfield CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Fairfield CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.