Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near North Lauderdale Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near North Lauderdale FL and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. 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 and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job roles 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 legal assistants and paralegals assist North Lauderdale FL attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because 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 on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in North Lauderdale FL is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in North Lauderdale FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain 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 attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the North Lauderdale FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many North Lauderdale FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several North Lauderdale FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the North Lauderdale FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large 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 Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the North Lauderdale FL region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in North Lauderdale FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near North Lauderdale FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in North Lauderdale
Enroll in the Right North Lauderdale Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree program is an important first step to guarantee 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 privacy and comfort of your North Lauderdale home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in North Lauderdale Florida.
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