What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Plantation FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly 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 recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Plantation FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely 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 verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Plantation FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Plantation FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating 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 probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement 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 corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Plantation FL area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Plantation FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Plantation 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 provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.