Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Right One Near North Port Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near North Port FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold the same job roles 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 assist North Port FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in North Port FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for students living in North Port FL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the North Port FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous North Port FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some North Port FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating 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 Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the North Port FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to build 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 want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the North Port FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in North Port FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near North Port FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in North Port
Choose the Right North Port Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your North Port home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program 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 programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in North Port Florida.