Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Hartford CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hartford CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Hartford CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Hartford CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Hartford CT area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hartford CT. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Hartford CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.