What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Redan GA area, in addition to vocational and trade 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 degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about 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 investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Redan GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Redan GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Redan GA legal field. 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 offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Redan GA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Redan GA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Redan GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.