What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Ridgefield CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Ridgefield CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Ridgefield CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Ridgefield CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. 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 need to initially look at those schools that are within the Ridgefield CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Ridgefield CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Ridgefield CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.