What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Muskego WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Muskego WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Muskego WI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Muskego WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Muskego WI area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Muskego WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Muskego WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.