What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Oconomowoc WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if 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 already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization 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 education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Oconomowoc 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 School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Oconomowoc WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Oconomowoc WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Oconomowoc WI area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Oconomowoc WI. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Oconomowoc WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.