Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Best One Near Westwood Lakes Florida
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Westwood Lakes FL, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of educational choices are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many options? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. There are many other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Westwood Lakes FL lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their daily tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Westwood Lakes FL is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Florida to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Westwood Lakes FL looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, 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 obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Westwood Lakes FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation 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 effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify 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 as well. A number of Westwood Lakes FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Westwood Lakes FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Westwood Lakes FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Westwood Lakes FL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Westwood Lakes FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Westwood Lakes FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Westwood Lakes
Choose the Right Westwood Lakes Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best 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 choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Westwood Lakes home. Paralegal training programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Westwood Lakes Florida.
Westwood Lakes Paralegal Programs | Westwood Lakes Paralegal Certificate Programs