Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Best One Near South Daytona Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near South Daytona FL, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you locate the ideal program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you ought to consider. There are various other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will discuss 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 educational options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, 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 South Daytona 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. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in South Daytona FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for those living in South Daytona FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools 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 quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the South Daytona FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many South Daytona FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few South Daytona FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the South Daytona FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable 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? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose 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 need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the South Daytona FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in South Daytona FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near South Daytona FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in South Daytona
Choose the Right South Daytona Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your South Daytona home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in South Daytona Florida.
South Daytona Paralegal Certificate Online | South Daytona Paralegal Studies