Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Palmetto Bay Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Palmetto Bay FL and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying career in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are a number of other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, 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 Palmetto Bay FL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their routine activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable 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 manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Palmetto Bay FL is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and can be a good option for individuals living in Palmetto Bay FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive 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 secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Palmetto Bay FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective 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 aspects to think about as well, 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 investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Palmetto Bay FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose 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 contact a few Palmetto Bay FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Palmetto Bay FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Palmetto Bay FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Palmetto Bay FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Palmetto Bay FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Palmetto Bay
Enroll in the Best Palmetto Bay Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Palmetto Bay home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program 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 programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Palmetto Bay Florida.
Palmetto Bay Paralegal Certificate Online | Palmetto Bay Paralegal Studies