Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Trumbull 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 include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 aspects to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized 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 training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Trumbull CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Trumbull CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Trumbull CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Trumbull CT region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Trumbull CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Trumbull CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.