Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Wellington Florida
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Wellington FL, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? A number of potential students start by trying to find schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your selection. But first, let's take 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
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Wellington FL attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more applicable 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 take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Wellington FL is by obtaining a certificate, which may 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 acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be a good option for those living in Wellington FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover 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 sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Wellington FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Wellington FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking 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 some Wellington FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation 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 excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Wellington FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? 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 help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Wellington FL area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Wellington FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Wellington FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Wellington
Enroll in the Right Wellington Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Wellington residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Wellington Florida.
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