Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Evanston WY area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn 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 looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Evanston WY law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Evanston WY law firms 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 rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Evanston WY legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Wyoming or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Evanston WY region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Evanston WY. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Evanston WY, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.