What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Brookfield WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Brookfield WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance 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 paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Brookfield WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Brookfield WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create 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 area 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 might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Brookfield WI area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Brookfield WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Brookfield WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.