Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Dania Beach Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Dania Beach FL, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? Many prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, only 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 category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Dania Beach FL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal 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 comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. 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 action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Dania Beach FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Dania Beach FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Dania Beach FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Dania Beach FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Dania Beach 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 ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Dania Beach FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good 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 vary among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Dania Beach FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Dania Beach FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Dania Beach FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Dania Beach
Enroll in the Best Dania Beach Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate program 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 Dania Beach home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Dania Beach Florida.
Dania Beach Paralegal Certificate | Dania Beach Paralegal Degrees