Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fitchburg WI 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 when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 critical factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fitchburg WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Fitchburg WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Fitchburg WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Fitchburg WI area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Fitchburg WI. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Fitchburg WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.