Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Athens GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving 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 go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Athens GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Athens GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Athens GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Athens GA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Athens GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Athens GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.