Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Key Biscayne Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Key Biscayne FL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Key Biscayne FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties 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 take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Key Biscayne FL is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Key Biscayne FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Key Biscayne FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School 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 might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Key Biscayne FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Key Biscayne FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Key Biscayne FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Key Biscayne FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Key Biscayne FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Key Biscayne FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Key Biscayne
Enroll in the Best Key Biscayne Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Key Biscayne home. Paralegal training programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school 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. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Key Biscayne Florida.
Key Biscayne Paralegal Studies | Key Biscayne Paralegal Schools