Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Savannah GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Savannah GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular 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 training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Savannah GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Savannah GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Savannah GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Savannah GA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Savannah GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.