What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Fayetteville GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fayetteville GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick 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 a few Fayetteville GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Fayetteville GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great 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 differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Fayetteville GA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Fayetteville GA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Fayetteville GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.