Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Palm Valley Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Palm Valley FL and start your journey that will result in a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Palm Valley FL lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Palm Valley FL is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for those living in Palm Valley FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining 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 can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Palm Valley FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Palm Valley FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular 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. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Palm Valley FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Palm Valley FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication 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? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Palm Valley FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Palm Valley FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Palm Valley FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Palm Valley
Choose the Best Palm Valley Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Palm Valley residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Palm Valley Florida.
Palm Valley Paralegal Degrees | Palm Valley Paralegal Courses