What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Lake Wales FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lake Wales FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Lake Wales FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Lake Wales FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering 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 confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Lake Wales FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Lake Wales FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Lake Wales FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.