Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Best One Near Bradenton Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Bradenton FL and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic options are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school must be taken into account too. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your selection. 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 Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Bradenton FL attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their daily tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting 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 additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main 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 volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Bradenton FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits 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.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Bradenton FL looking 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 additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Bradenton 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 add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Bradenton FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Bradenton FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Bradenton FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Bradenton FL area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Bradenton FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Bradenton FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Bradenton
Enroll in the Right Bradenton Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Bradenton residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Bradenton Florida.