Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Myrtle Grove Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Myrtle Grove FL, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous options? A number of prospective students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Myrtle Grove FL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their everyday tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly 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 number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Myrtle Grove FL is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Myrtle Grove FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Myrtle Grove FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Myrtle Grove FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Myrtle Grove FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Myrtle Grove FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial 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 may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Myrtle Grove FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Myrtle Grove FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Myrtle Grove 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 enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Myrtle Grove
Enroll in the Right Myrtle Grove Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate school is a vital 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 on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Myrtle Grove home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Myrtle Grove Florida.
Myrtle Grove Paralegal Programs | Myrtle Grove Paralegal Certificate Programs