Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Key Biscayne FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Key Biscayne FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? 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 profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Key Biscayne FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Key Biscayne FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Key Biscayne FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, 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 assistance might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Key Biscayne FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Key Biscayne FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.