Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Tampa Florida
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Tampa FL, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you should consider. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into consideration also. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Tampa FL attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Tampa FL is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive 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 an option also. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Tampa FL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs 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 program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Tampa FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include 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 previously discussed, there are other important factors to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Tampa FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Tampa FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Tampa FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Tampa FL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Tampa FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Tampa FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Tampa
Choose the Best Tampa Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies training 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 participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Tampa residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Tampa Florida.
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