Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Seminole Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Seminole FL and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking 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 instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Seminole FL lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Seminole FL is by earning a certificate, which may take as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Seminole FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things 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 undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Seminole FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Seminole FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Seminole FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Seminole FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Seminole FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Seminole FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Seminole FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Seminole
Enroll in the Best Seminole Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies certificate program is an important 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 on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Seminole residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Seminole Florida.