Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Margate Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Margate FL and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Margate FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally 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 comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their regular activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers 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 complex and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. 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 attorneys. 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 on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Margate FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Margate FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Margate FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance 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 also. A number of Margate FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Margate FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Margate FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish 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 want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Margate FL region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies 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 check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Margate FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Margate 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. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Margate
Enroll in the Best Margate Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal degree school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Margate residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, 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 impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your training 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 appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Margate Florida.