Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Windham CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential 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 important aspects to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Windham CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Windham CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Windham CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Windham CT area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Windham CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Windham CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.