Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Right One Near New Smyrna Beach Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near New Smyrna Beach FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you locate the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into account too. We will cover those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job positions and functions, 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 separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help New Smyrna Beach FL attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- 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 additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite 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 paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in New Smyrna Beach FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be a good alternative for students living in New Smyrna Beach FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the New Smyrna Beach FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many New Smyrna Beach FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible 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 contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several New Smyrna Beach FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the New Smyrna Beach FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement 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 confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require 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 Smyrna Beach FL region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in New Smyrna Beach FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near New Smyrna Beach FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in New Smyrna Beach
Choose the Right New Smyrna Beach Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is an essential 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 attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your New Smyrna Beach home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in New Smyrna Beach Florida.
New Smyrna Beach Paralegal Degrees | New Smyrna Beach Paralegal Courses