Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Naples Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Naples FL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account as well. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, just 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 assist Naples FL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
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 academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Naples FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Naples FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Naples FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and 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 might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Naples FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Naples FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Naples FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Naples FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Naples FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Naples 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 select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Naples
Enroll in the Right Naples Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Naples home. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, 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 profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Naples Florida.