Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Right One Near Navarre Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Navarre FL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job positions 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 Navarre FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants 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 handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Navarre FL is by earning a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive 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 an option as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Navarre FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Navarre FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of 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 significant issues to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Navarre FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Navarre FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Navarre FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance 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 graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Navarre FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Navarre FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Navarre FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Navarre
Enroll in the Best Navarre Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Navarre home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Navarre Florida.