Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Miami Lakes Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Miami Lakes FL and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are many other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Miami Lakes FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Miami Lakes FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and may be a good option for students living in Miami Lakes FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures 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 greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Miami Lakes FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Miami Lakes FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Miami Lakes FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Miami Lakes FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Miami Lakes FL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Miami Lakes FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Miami Lakes FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Miami Lakes
Choose the Best Miami Lakes Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Miami Lakes residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Miami Lakes Florida.
Miami Lakes Paralegal Schools | Miami Lakes Paralegal Training