Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Milton GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to think about as well, including 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 effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. 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 as well. Numerous Milton GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible 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 contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Milton GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Milton GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Milton GA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, 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 also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Milton GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Milton GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.