Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Jacksonville Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Jacksonville FL and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into account as well. We will address those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Jacksonville FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Jacksonville FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered 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 practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Jacksonville FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Jacksonville FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Jacksonville FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Jacksonville FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Jacksonville FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish 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 first investigate those schools that are within the Jacksonville FL region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Jacksonville FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Jacksonville FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Jacksonville
Choose the Best Jacksonville Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Jacksonville residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect 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 ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Jacksonville Florida.
Jacksonville Paralegal Programs | Jacksonville Paralegal Certificate Programs