What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the West Haven CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 discussed, there are other significant issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to 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 education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous West Haven CT law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several West Haven CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the West Haven CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the West Haven CT region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books 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 department to find out what is offered in West Haven CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near West Haven CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.