Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Altamonte Springs Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Altamonte Springs FL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other qualifications that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Altamonte Springs FL lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Altamonte Springs FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be a good option for students living in Altamonte Springs FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Altamonte Springs FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most 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 critical aspects to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Altamonte Springs FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select 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 Altamonte Springs FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Altamonte Springs FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. 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 wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Altamonte Springs FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include 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 be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Altamonte Springs FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Altamonte Springs FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Altamonte Springs
Choose the Right Altamonte Springs Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal certificate school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Altamonte Springs residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Altamonte Springs Florida.
Altamonte Springs Paralegal Training | Altamonte Springs How To Become A Paralegal