Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Cocoa Florida
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Cocoa FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely 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 finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Cocoa FL lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
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 educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Cocoa FL is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Cocoa FL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Cocoa FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Cocoa FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Cocoa FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Cocoa FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Cocoa FL area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Cocoa FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Cocoa FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Cocoa
Choose the Best Cocoa Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal certificate school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Cocoa residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Cocoa Florida.