Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Tucker GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn 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 also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Tucker 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? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Tucker GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Tucker GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Tucker GA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Tucker GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Tucker GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.