Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Right One Near Merritt Island Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Merritt Island FL and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you find the right program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into account as well. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Merritt Island FL attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like 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 wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Merritt Island FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 program (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 Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Merritt Island FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Merritt Island FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential 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 think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Merritt Island FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Merritt Island FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Merritt Island FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice 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 receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Merritt Island FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Merritt Island FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Merritt Island FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Merritt Island
Choose the Best Merritt Island Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal certificate school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding 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 Merritt Island home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Merritt Island Florida.
Merritt Island Paralegal Programs | Merritt Island Paralegal Certificate Programs