Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Best One Near Boca Raton Florida
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Boca Raton FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s important that you locate the right program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Some potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Boca Raton FL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
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. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Boca Raton FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two 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 may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Boca Raton FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Boca Raton FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know 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 as well. If you are like most prospective 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 crucial issues to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Boca Raton FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Boca Raton FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Boca Raton FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon 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 assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Boca Raton FL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Boca Raton FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Boca Raton FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Boca Raton
Choose the Best Boca Raton Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Boca Raton home. Paralegal training programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Boca Raton Florida.
Boca Raton How To Become A Paralegal | Boca Raton Paralegal Certificate Online