Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Venice Florida
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Venice FL and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s crucial that you find the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Venice FL lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but some of their daily activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional 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 offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Venice FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and may be an excellent option for students living in Venice FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Venice FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Venice FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Venice FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Venice FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication 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's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Venice FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Venice FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Venice FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Venice
Choose the Right Venice Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Venice home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Venice Florida.
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