What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Westport CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate 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 commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to consider also, for instance 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 Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Westport CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Westport 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 if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Westport CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Westport CT area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, 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 also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Westport CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Westport CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.