Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Newington CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most 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 significant factors to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Newington CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Newington CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Newington CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Newington CT area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Newington CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Newington CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.