Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Hartford WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation 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 properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Hartford WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Hartford WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though 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 firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Hartford WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Hartford WI region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense 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 part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Hartford WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Hartford WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.