Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near New Port Richey Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near New Port Richey FL, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the ideal program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program must be considered as well. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist New Port Richey FL lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in New Port Richey FL is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for students living in New Port Richey FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses 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 education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the New Port Richey FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching 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 enroll in should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many New Port Richey FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few New Port Richey 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 ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the New Port Richey FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great 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 among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those schools that are within the New Port Richey FL region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in New Port Richey FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near New Port Richey 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 choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in New Port Richey
Choose the Best New Port Richey Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your New Port Richey home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in New Port Richey Florida.
New Port Richey Paralegal Studies | New Port Richey Paralegal Schools