Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Coral Gables Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Coral Gables FL and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. More and more academic options are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be considered too. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions 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 classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Coral Gables FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep 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 complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer 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. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able 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. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Coral Gables FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at numerous 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. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want 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 improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Coral Gables FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary 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 cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Coral Gables FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start 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 some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Coral Gables FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Coral Gables FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Coral Gables FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Coral Gables FL area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost 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 as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Coral Gables FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Coral Gables FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Coral Gables
Enroll in the Right Coral Gables Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Coral Gables home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Coral Gables Florida.
Coral Gables Paralegal Programs | Coral Gables Paralegal Certificate Programs