Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Lakeside FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about as well, such as 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 researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Lakeside FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Lakeside FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Lakeside FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success 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 confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Lakeside FL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount 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 also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lakeside FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Lakeside FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.