Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Dallas GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Dallas GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Dallas GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Dallas GA legal community. 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 Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary 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 wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Dallas GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Dallas GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Dallas GA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.