Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Westchase Florida
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Westchase FL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be considered also. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Westchase FL attorneys 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 practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Westchase FL is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for students living in Westchase FL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Westchase FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 training. 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 also. A number of Westchase FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Westchase FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Westchase FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Westchase FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? 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 cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Westchase FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Westchase FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Westchase
Enroll in the Right Westchase Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Westchase home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity 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 review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Westchase Florida.
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