Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Right One Near Brandon Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Brandon FL and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account as well. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Brandon FL attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, 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 degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Brandon FL is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies in the field 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 program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Brandon FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss 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 looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Brandon FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, such as 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Brandon FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Brandon FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Brandon FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering 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 confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Brandon FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Brandon FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Brandon FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Brandon
Choose the Best Brandon Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Brandon residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Brandon Florida.