Chapter Three
Tips for Choosing the Best Paralegal Program
Once you’ve decided which educational route you want to go, you’re going to have to find the right paralegal program for your needs and goals. Because you’ll be making a significant investment, in both your time and your money, take the time to really research your available options, rather than opting for the first program you like.
Questions to ask before choosing a school
Before you begin researching your educational options, you’ll want to draft a list of questions to answer during the process, including the following:
1. What are the requirements for acceptance into the program?
2. Does the school provide orientation upon acceptance into the program?
3. Is financial aid available for students?
4. Will you have access to career counseling?
5. Will you receive job placement assistance?
6. If job placement assistance is available, how high is the rate of success of students gaining employment following graduation?
7. What type of reputation do the school and the program have?
8. Does the school or the program have a law library?
9. Will you have access to computer labs?
10. Does the school offer any extracurricular activities, such as the opportunity to volunteer in the legal community?
11. How selective is the program?
12. What are the program’s goals?
13. Of what does the program’s curriculum consist?
14. What will you be required to do to graduate?
15. What is the program director’s experience and background?
16. What is the experience and background of the program’s instructors?
17. Is the program ABA-approved or ABA compliant? If not, why?
Add any additional questions that you may have, and make sure to keep the list handy while you go through the research process. Remember, you’re going to be investing significant money, time, and energy on your education, and you want to make sure you choose the best program for your needs and your goals.
After you’ve drafted your list of questions, you’ll also want to take other factors into consideration as you begin the research process. To begin, is the program you’re considering ABA-approved or ABA-compliant?
ABA-approved programs. The American Bar Association has strict guidelines for approving paralegal programs. Furthermore, those schools that receive ABA approval must be reevaluated periodically to ensure the schools still meet the ABA’s high standards.
In short, to qualify for approval by the ABA, a paralegal program must be a college-level program; must have an onsite law library that meets the ABA’s standards; must hold the proper accreditation; and must require that all students earn a minimum of 60 credits.
For a listing of ABA-approved paralegal programs, you can visit the ABA’s website by clicking here. You can also view the requirements that programs must meet to be approved by the ABA at their website, or by clicking here.
ABA compliant programs. If the university or school you’re considering isn’t ABA-approved, find out if it is ABA compliant. An ABA-compliant program meets all the criteria to be ABA-approved, but for some reason, the school has chosen not to go through the official approval process.
Take the time to research all of your educational options before making a decision. Education is vital for paralegals, and more and more employers today want paralegals with a solid educational foundation.
One of the best ways to find out what paralegal programs are the best for your needs and for your goals is to talk with those already in the field. Contact the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Association (NFPA), and ask to be connected with the local members of the organization to get their feedback about the paralegal programs you are considering and/or to find out what programs they recommend.
However, you want to go beyond asking what schools they recommend. You also want to find out what type of education and experience employers in your area prefer. To network and get to know other paralegals in your area, consider purchasing a student membership with either NALA or NFPA.
Once you have a list of prospective programs, either visit the school’s website to learn more about each program or request a prospectus for each program. You’ll also want to consider talking to the director of each program you’re considering, and ask to be put in touch with current or former students of the program. Talk with the current or former students to find out what they liked and disliked about the program; whether they felt adequately prepared for employment when they left the program; and any other questions you may have.
You should also visit the schools you’re considering. In many cases, you’ll be able to sit in on classes and talk with current students. Talk with a career counselor, or make an appointment to talk with the director of the paralegal program when you’re visiting.
Internships Matter
Find out if the program you’re considering offers an internship program for students. An internship will provide you with valuable real world paralegal experience. Some internships even lead to full-time job offers upon graduation. Even if a job offer doesn’t materialize from your internship, you’ll gain experience, and even recommendations from those you worked with, that will help when you begin your job search.
Take as much time as you need on the research process, and avoid making a hasty decision. Remember, you’re going to invest significant time, money, and energy on your education, so you want to ensure you choose the best program for your needs and for your goals.
Next: Chapter Three: What about online paralegal programs?
Previous: Chapter Two: Getting your paralegal education – recipe for success
Table of Contents for the Paralegal Career Guide:
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