Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the North Druid Hills GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of North Druid Hills GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some North Druid Hills GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the North Druid Hills GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the North Druid Hills GA area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in North Druid Hills GA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced 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 solely attend weekend or evening classes near North Druid Hills GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.