Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Hialeah Florida
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Hialeah FL, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. More and more academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students begin by trying to find schools within driving 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 simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into account as well. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job positions 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 classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Hialeah FL lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Hialeah 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 offer 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 offered as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though 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 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Hialeah FL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Hialeah FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Hialeah FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Hialeah FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. 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 provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Hialeah FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high 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 in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Hialeah FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Hialeah FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Hialeah FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Hialeah
Choose the Best Hialeah Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Hialeah residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Hialeah Florida.