What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Shoreline WA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify 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. Many Shoreline WA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Shoreline WA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Shoreline WA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Washington legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Washington or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Shoreline WA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Shoreline WA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Shoreline WA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.