What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Simsbury CT area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if 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 significant issues to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Simsbury CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Simsbury CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Simsbury CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Simsbury CT area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length 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 also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Simsbury CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Simsbury CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.