Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Right One Near Deland Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Deland FL, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, 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 accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold 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 are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Deland FL lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training 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 academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Deland FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be a good option for individuals living in Deland FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as 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 ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Deland FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, 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 training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Deland FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select 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 contact several Deland 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 rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor 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 an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Deland FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Deland FL region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, 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 check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Deland FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Deland FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Deland
Choose the Best Deland Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies 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 choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Deland home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Deland Florida.