Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Palm Valley Florida
Once 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 selecting a school. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into account as well. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Palm Valley FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional 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 permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Palm Valley FL is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and can be a good alternative for students living in Palm Valley FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often 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 online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Palm Valley FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Palm Valley FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify 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 what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Palm Valley FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Palm Valley FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Palm Valley FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Palm Valley FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Palm Valley
Enroll in the Right Palm Valley Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree school is a vital 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 attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Palm Valley residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Palm Valley Florida.
Palm Valley How To Become A Paralegal | Palm Valley Paralegal Certificate Online