Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near Doral Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Doral FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students start by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be considered too. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Doral FL lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm 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 documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Doral FL is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive 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 also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get 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 as well. Some of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Doral FL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive 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 organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Doral 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 particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Doral FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Doral FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Doral FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer 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 wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring 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 practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Doral FL area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Doral FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Doral FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Doral
Choose the Right Doral Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Doral home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training 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 education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Doral Florida.