Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Clermont Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Clermont FL and start your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest 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 need to consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration as well. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Clermont FL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Clermont FL is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Clermont FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address 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 school and program you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Clermont FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. 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 crucial aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Clermont FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Clermont FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which 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 Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Clermont FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Clermont FL area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Clermont FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Clermont FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Clermont
Enroll in the Right Clermont Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Clermont home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Clermont Florida.