Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Whitefish Bay WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many 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 important issues to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Whitefish Bay WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Whitefish Bay WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Whitefish Bay WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Whitefish Bay WI region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Whitefish Bay WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Whitefish Bay WI, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.