Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Ensley FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Ensley FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose 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 several Ensley FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Ensley FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Ensley FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Ensley FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Ensley FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.