Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Chippewa Falls WI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Chippewa Falls WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Chippewa Falls WI law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. 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 Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Chippewa Falls WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to work 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 even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Chippewa Falls WI area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Chippewa Falls WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Chippewa Falls WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.