Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Keystone Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Keystone FL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school must be considered as well. We will cover those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational 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 hold comparable job positions 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 Keystone FL lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Keystone FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at many 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. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Keystone 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 degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Keystone FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Keystone FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Keystone FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Keystone FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Keystone FL area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Keystone FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Keystone FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Keystone
Choose the Right Keystone Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Keystone residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Keystone Florida.
Keystone Paralegal Certificate Programs | Keystone Paralegal Certificate