Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Right One Near Hallandale Beach Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Hallandale Beach FL and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students begin by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school must be considered too. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your choice. But before we do, let's take 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 for the most part both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Hallandale Beach FL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically 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 fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Hallandale Beach FL is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be a good alternative for students living in Hallandale Beach FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary 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 cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Hallandale Beach FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include 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 commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, for instance 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 accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hallandale Beach FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Hallandale Beach FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Hallandale Beach FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid 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 students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School 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 plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local 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 practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Hallandale Beach FL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary 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 training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Hallandale Beach FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Hallandale Beach FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Hallandale Beach
Choose the Best Hallandale Beach Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Hallandale Beach residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Hallandale Beach Florida.
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