Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Golden Glades Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Golden Glades FL and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into consideration as well. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic 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 comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, 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 Golden Glades FL lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Golden Glades FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (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 paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Golden Glades FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Golden Glades FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Golden Glades FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Golden Glades FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Golden Glades FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement 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 corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those schools that are within the Golden Glades FL area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Golden Glades FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Golden Glades FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Golden Glades
Choose the Right Golden Glades Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding 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 comfort and privacy of your Golden Glades home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Golden Glades Florida.
Golden Glades Paralegal Certificate Online | Golden Glades Paralegal Studies