Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Saint Simons Island GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several 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 decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may 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 education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Saint Simons Island GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Saint Simons Island GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Saint Simons Island GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools 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 substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those schools that are within the Saint Simons Island GA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Saint Simons Island GA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Saint Simons Island GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.