Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near South Miami Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near South Miami FL and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. More and more academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, just 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 South Miami FL lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing 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 duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable 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, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in South Miami FL is by earning a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages 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 Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in South Miami FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the South Miami FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most 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 significant factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many South Miami FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular 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. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few South Miami FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the South Miami FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the South Miami FL area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in South Miami FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near South Miami FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in South Miami
Choose the Best South Miami Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your South Miami residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in South Miami Florida.
South Miami Paralegal Certificate | South Miami Paralegal Degrees