Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Orlando Florida
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Orlando FL, it's time to start the process of picking a school. 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 probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option 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 program must be taken into account also. Later on in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But first, 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
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Orlando FL lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Orlando FL is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Orlando FL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Orlando FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Orlando FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Orlando FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Orlando FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Orlando FL region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Orlando FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Orlando FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Orlando
Enroll in the Right Orlando Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies training program is an essential first step toward 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 comfort and privacy of your Orlando residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Orlando Florida.
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