Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Right One Near Palm Valley Florida
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Palm Valley 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 get the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Palm Valley FL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their daily tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys 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 job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed 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 main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Palm Valley FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can 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 also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent alternative for individuals living in Palm Valley FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more 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 school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Palm Valley FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Palm Valley FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Palm Valley FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent 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 present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Palm Valley FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Palm Valley FL area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Palm Valley FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Palm Valley FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Palm Valley
Choose the Best Palm Valley Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal certificate school is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed 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 Valley residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Palm Valley Florida.
Palm Valley Paralegal Certificate Programs | Palm Valley Paralegal Certificate