Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near Kissimmee Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Kissimmee FL, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Some potential students start by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in 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 vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Kissimmee FL lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular tasks can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Kissimmee FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish 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 an option as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for those living in Kissimmee FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs 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 looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Kissimmee FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at 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 final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Kissimmee FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Kissimmee FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Kissimmee FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Kissimmee FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Kissimmee FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Kissimmee 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 offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Kissimmee
Enroll in the Right Kissimmee Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal training school is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Kissimmee home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Kissimmee Florida.
Kissimmee Paralegal Certificate | Kissimmee Paralegal Degrees