Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Right One Near Palm Springs Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Palm Springs FL and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school must be taken into account also. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives 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 positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Palm Springs FL attorneys with a wide variety of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific 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 trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their routine activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals 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 lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Palm Springs FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 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.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Palm Springs FL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Palm Springs FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Palm Springs FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Palm Springs FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Palm Springs FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Palm Springs FL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Palm Springs FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Palm Springs FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Palm Springs
Enroll in the Best Palm Springs Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Palm Springs home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school 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 carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain 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 final selection. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Palm Springs Florida.
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