Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Golden Glades FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Golden Glades FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Golden Glades FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Golden Glades FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Golden Glades FL region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Golden Glades FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Golden Glades FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.