Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Lauderdale Lakes FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Lauderdale Lakes 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 available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Lauderdale Lakes FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Lauderdale Lakes FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those schools that are within the Lauderdale Lakes FL area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lauderdale Lakes FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Lauderdale Lakes FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.