Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Bartow Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Bartow FL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Bartow FL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Bartow FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Bartow FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education 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 organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice 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 evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Bartow FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Bartow FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Bartow FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Bartow FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Bartow FL area.
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 cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Bartow FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Bartow FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Bartow
Enroll in the Best Bartow Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Bartow home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Bartow Florida.