Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Bradenton Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Bradenton FL and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s important that you find the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are being offered, both at school and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Bradenton FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, 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 could help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. 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 duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Bradenton FL is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive 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 an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want 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 improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for students living in Bradenton FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Bradenton FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Bradenton FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Bradenton FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Bradenton FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing 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 good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Bradenton FL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Bradenton FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Bradenton FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Bradenton
Enroll in the Right Bradenton Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal certificate school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Bradenton residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide 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 school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Bradenton Florida.
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