Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Palm Harbor Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Palm Harbor FL and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? Some prospective students start by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other important 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 options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Palm Harbor FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Palm Harbor FL is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Palm Harbor FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover 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 program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Palm Harbor FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential 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 significant issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Palm Harbor FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose 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 call some Palm Harbor FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer 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 present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Palm Harbor FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Palm Harbor FL area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Palm Harbor FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Palm Harbor FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Palm Harbor
Choose the Best Palm Harbor Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal certificate school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Palm Harbor home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Palm Harbor Florida.
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