Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Valrico Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Valrico FL and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. More and more academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? Many prospective students start by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when picking a school, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into account too. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one prior to making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold the same job roles 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 help Valrico FL attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand 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 cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, 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 opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Valrico FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Valrico FL searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a 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 may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Valrico FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Valrico FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Valrico FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Valrico FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you want 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 might need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Valrico FL region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Valrico FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Valrico FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Valrico
Choose the Best Valrico Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Valrico residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Valrico Florida.
Valrico Paralegal Certificate Programs | Valrico Paralegal Certificate