Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Temple Terrace Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Temple Terrace FL and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only factors you must take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program need to be considered as well. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Temple Terrace FL lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like 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 responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Temple Terrace FL is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to complete. Most 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. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be a good option for those living in Temple Terrace FL searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address 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 considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Temple Terrace FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Temple Terrace FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Temple Terrace FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Temple Terrace FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid 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 highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. 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 might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Temple Terrace FL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Temple Terrace FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Temple Terrace FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Temple Terrace
Choose the Best Temple Terrace Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Temple Terrace home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, 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 profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Temple Terrace Florida.
Temple Terrace Paralegal Degrees | Temple Terrace Paralegal Courses