Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near Edgewater Florida
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Edgewater FL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into account also. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Edgewater FL attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated 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 proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Edgewater FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained 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 certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and can be a good option for students living in Edgewater FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses 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 ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training 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 Edgewater 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 especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Edgewater FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Edgewater FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Edgewater FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide 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 wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Edgewater FL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Edgewater FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Edgewater FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Edgewater
Choose the Best Edgewater Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Edgewater residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Edgewater Florida.