Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Coconut Grove FL area, as well as vocational and trade 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 most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Coconut Grove FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations 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 need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Coconut Grove FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Coconut Grove FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish 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 choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Coconut Grove FL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Coconut Grove FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Coconut Grove FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.