Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Pembroke Pines Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Pembroke Pines FL and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, 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 help Pembroke Pines FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically 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 comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because 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 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 opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Pembroke Pines FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous 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. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for students living in Pembroke Pines FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Pembroke Pines FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Pembroke Pines FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Pembroke Pines FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Pembroke Pines FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those schools that are within the Pembroke Pines FL area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Pembroke Pines FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Pembroke Pines FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Pembroke Pines
Enroll in the Right Pembroke Pines Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying 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 Pembroke Pines residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance 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 provided you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Pembroke Pines Florida.
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