What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the The Hammocks FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous The Hammocks 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 accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick 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 contact several The Hammocks FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the The Hammocks FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the The Hammocks FL region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in The Hammocks FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near The Hammocks FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.