Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Killingly CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective 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 important issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Killingly CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick 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 Killingly CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Killingly CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Killingly CT area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Killingly CT. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Killingly 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 makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.