Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Gladeview Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Gladeview FL and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you find the right program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Gladeview FL attorneys with a wide range 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. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Gladeview FL is by earning a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for those living in Gladeview FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Gladeview FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate 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 potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Gladeview FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Gladeview 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 the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Gladeview FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those schools that are within the Gladeview FL area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Gladeview FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Gladeview FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Gladeview
Choose the Right Gladeview Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Gladeview home. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Gladeview Florida.