Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Sarasota Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Sarasota FL and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students start by searching for schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Sarasota 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 duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour 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 noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their routine activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Sarasota FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few 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 school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and may be a good option for students living in Sarasota FL looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Sarasota FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially 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 searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Sarasota FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Sarasota FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Sarasota FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates 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 enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Sarasota FL area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Sarasota FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Sarasota FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Sarasota
Choose the Best Sarasota Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies certificate program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Sarasota home. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Sarasota Florida.