Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Port Saint Lucie Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Port Saint Lucie FL and begin your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal program so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students begin by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you need to ask potential 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 alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Port Saint Lucie FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Port Saint Lucie FL is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost 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 earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more prevalent and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Port Saint Lucie FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, 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 quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Port Saint Lucie FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Port Saint Lucie FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Port Saint Lucie FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Port Saint Lucie FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Port Saint Lucie FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Port Saint Lucie FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Port Saint Lucie FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Port Saint Lucie
Choose the Right Port Saint Lucie Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Port Saint Lucie home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, 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 impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education 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 training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Port Saint Lucie Florida.
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