Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Southchase Florida
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Southchase FL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Southchase FL lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Southchase FL is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for students living in Southchase FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education 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 respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Southchase FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Southchase FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Southchase FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Southchase FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Southchase FL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Southchase FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Southchase FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Southchase
Enroll in the Best Southchase Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Southchase residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Southchase Florida.
Southchase Paralegal Certificate Programs | Southchase Paralegal Certificate