Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Plainfield CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to research 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 researching 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 reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Plainfield CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Plainfield CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the Plainfield CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good 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 sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Plainfield CT area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Plainfield CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Plainfield CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.