Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Pick the Right One Near Lake Wales Florida
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Lake Wales FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will cover those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs 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 are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Lake Wales FL lawyers with a wide range of job functions, 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 work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering 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 conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Lake Wales FL is by earning a certificate, which may take just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 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 degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Lake Wales FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum 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 reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Lake Wales FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively 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 reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Lake Wales FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Lake Wales FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Lake Wales FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Lake Wales FL region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Lake Wales FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Lake Wales FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Lake Wales
Choose the Best Lake Wales Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is an important 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 at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Lake Wales residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Lake Wales Florida.
Lake Wales Paralegal Certificate | Lake Wales Paralegal Degrees