Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Atlantic Beach Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Atlantic Beach FL and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the right program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be considered as well. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Atlantic Beach FL attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Atlantic Beach FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the profession 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Atlantic Beach FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Atlantic Beach FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance 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 researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Atlantic Beach FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Atlantic Beach FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Atlantic Beach FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want 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 assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Atlantic Beach FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Atlantic Beach FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Atlantic Beach FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Atlantic Beach
Choose the Right Atlantic Beach Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Atlantic Beach residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Atlantic Beach Florida.
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