Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Palm Beach Gardens Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Palm Beach Gardens FL, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right 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 ought to be taken into account also. Later in this post we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Palm Beach Gardens FL lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, 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 work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Palm Beach Gardens FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for students living in Palm Beach Gardens FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address 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 program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Palm Beach Gardens FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate 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 potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Palm Beach Gardens FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Palm Beach Gardens FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Palm Beach Gardens FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Palm Beach Gardens FL area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Palm Beach Gardens FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Palm Beach Gardens FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Palm Beach Gardens
Choose the Right Palm Beach Gardens Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal training program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Palm Beach Gardens residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Palm Beach Gardens Florida.
Palm Beach Gardens How To Become A Paralegal | Palm Beach Gardens Paralegal Certificate Online