Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Right One Near Saint Augustine Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Saint Augustine FL, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you need to consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into account too. Later in this post we will review a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Saint Augustine FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. 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 might help with trial logistics or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical 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 ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training 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 prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Saint Augustine FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations in the field 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 program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more popular and may be a good option for students living in Saint Augustine FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Saint Augustine FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Saint Augustine FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular 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 training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Saint Augustine FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Saint Augustine FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Saint Augustine FL region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length 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 assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Saint Augustine FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Saint Augustine FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Saint Augustine
Enroll in the Best Saint Augustine Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate program is a crucial 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 participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Saint Augustine residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade 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, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each school and make your final decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Saint Augustine Florida.
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