Paralegal Studies School
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Key Biscayne Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Key Biscayne FL and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into consideration too. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Key Biscayne FL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help 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 lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Key Biscayne FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for those living in Key Biscayne FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Key Biscayne FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare 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 start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify 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 as well. Many Key Biscayne FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Key Biscayne FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Key Biscayne FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Key Biscayne FL area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Key Biscayne FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Key Biscayne FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Key Biscayne
Enroll in the Right Key Biscayne Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Key Biscayne home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Key Biscayne Florida.
Key Biscayne Paralegal Programs | Key Biscayne Paralegal Certificate Programs