Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Middletown DE area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Middletown DE law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Middletown DE law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep 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 Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Middletown DE legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing 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 Delaware legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Delaware or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the Middletown DE area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Middletown DE. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Middletown DE, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.