Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Marietta GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to 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 most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Marietta GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Marietta GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Marietta GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates 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 beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those schools that are within the Marietta GA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Marietta GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Marietta GA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.