Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near Englewood Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Englewood FL and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available 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 alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part 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 category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Englewood FL lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly 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 legal assistant in Englewood FL is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although 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. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for individuals living in Englewood FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Englewood FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to think about also, such as 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 considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Englewood FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Englewood FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating 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 outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Englewood FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal 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 area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification 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 live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Englewood FL region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Englewood FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Englewood FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Englewood
Enroll in the Right Englewood Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Englewood residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Englewood Florida.
Englewood Paralegal Training | Englewood How To Become A Paralegal