What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Eau Claire WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation 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 effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Eau Claire WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific 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. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Eau Claire WI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Eau Claire WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Eau Claire WI area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Eau Claire WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Eau Claire WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.