Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Belvedere Park GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 crucial issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Belvedere Park GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Belvedere Park GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Belvedere Park GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging 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 sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia 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 may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Belvedere Park GA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Belvedere Park GA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Belvedere Park GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.