What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Janesville 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 particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most 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, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Janesville WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Janesville WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Janesville WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating 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 wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Janesville WI area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Janesville WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Janesville WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.