What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Waukesha WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Waukesha WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Waukesha WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Waukesha WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Waukesha WI area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Waukesha WI. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Waukesha WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.