What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Menomonee Falls WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Menomonee Falls WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school 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 contact a few Menomonee Falls WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Menomonee Falls WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement 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 substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Menomonee Falls WI area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Menomonee Falls WI. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Menomonee Falls WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.