Florida Paralegal Schools

Florida paralegal schools offer students the opportunity to gain skills that will lead them to a career in one of the most financially rewarding careers available to someone studying for a two-year degree. In fact, the average salary for a Florida paralegal is about $45,000, and that continues to grow each year. Earning a paralegal degree can help you qualify for this growing job field that is projected to see nearly 30 percent growth between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

South University, West Palm Beach: South University has one of its campus located in West Palm Beach, Florida, where students can take courses towards earning an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies. This program is approved by the American Bar Association and involves foundation paralegal courses as well as a supervised externship to enable students to gain valuable professional experience. An Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies at South University is a 92 hour program with 52 hours dedicated to major courses. This program typically takes three years to complete, but can be finished within an accelerated amount of time if students enroll in summer courses.

Florida State College at Jacksonville: Students at the Florida State College at Jacksonville can pursue an American Bar Association approved Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting). This two-year degree consists of 64 total credit hours with 31 hours geared towards Paralegal Studies courses and 15 hours reserved for professional core and elective courses. Students who wish to gain practical experience through an internship must spend no less than 180 hours in a legal office approved by supervising faculty. Florida State College at Jacksonville has an exceptionally extensive law related elective course inventory, allowing paralegal students to pursue the specializations of their choice.

Types of Paralegal Schools in Florida

Even the schools that are certified by the American Bar Association offer a wealth of options for students interested in a paralegal career. Applicants who have already had some schooling could find that they don’t need to study at a full two-year or four-year program thanks to certificate options that generally take a year or less.

Curriculum of Florida Paralegal Programs

Regardless of what course of study you choose, Florida paralegal schools offer a number of courses to get students up to speed on legal procedures and research techniques, as well as how to use computers to speed up the process. Additional required courses generally include legal research and writing, as well as basic classes on torts law, wills, trusts and estates, and real estate law. Electives are often available in specific applications of law such as constitutional law or securities law for those interested in the world of finance.

Florida Paralegal Certification

The Florida Registered Paralegal Program is a certification program offered by the Florida Bar for individuals who intend to seek and maintain employment as a paralegal in the state of Florida. Applicants must pay a $150 application fee, and provide proof of a combination of education and experience as outlined under Rule 20-3.1 of the Florida Bar (experience alone will no longer suffice) or certification and good standing in either the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Education requirements can include an associate’s or bachelor’s in paralegal studies, depending on years worked as a paralegal.

Paralegal Schools in Florida

In two-year and four-year programs, many schools require internships with legal departments of midsize and large corporations or in law offices for students to hone their skills in real world cases. Some ABA-certified schools that have this requirement include Florida State College at Jacksonville, Miami Dade College and South University in West Palm Beach.

South University is also one of a number of online universities offering alternatives to Florida paralegal schools for students who may already be working or having other scheduling issues. Other options include Everest University Online and Keiser University, both of which offer online associates degrees in paralegal studies.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Florida

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. has been ranked within the top 25 law firms in Florida by Florida Trend, and has also been recognized as a top firm by the South Florida Legal Guide. Its comprehensive practice area list covers client needs in all areas of law. QPWB hires qualified candidates who want to work in a fast paced environment in any of its offices. Fowler White Boggs is a highly ranked Florida law firm, seeing its attorneys and practice regularly included in The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers. Staff at Fowler White Boggs enjoy support for family commitments and wellness, a diverse workplace that supports community involvement, and a team oriented workplace. Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A. is consistently ranked by the Wall Street Journal, The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, and others as one of the top law firms in Florida. The firm needs dedicated paralegal graduates to support the work of its attorneys in multiple practice areas.

Online and Florida Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.