Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Lagrange GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, for instance 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 final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Lagrange GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Lagrange GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Lagrange GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. 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 might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Lagrange GA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Lagrange GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Lagrange GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.