Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Greenwich CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must 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 potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Greenwich CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Greenwich CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Greenwich CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Greenwich CT region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Greenwich CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Greenwich CT, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.