Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Dania Beach FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Dania Beach FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Dania Beach FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Dania Beach FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those schools that are within the Dania Beach FL region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Dania Beach FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Dania Beach FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.