Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a paralegal? 

The Florida Bar defines paralegals as follows:

"A paralegal or legal assistant is a person qualified by education, training, or work experience, who works under the supervision of a member of The Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a member of The Florida Bar is responsible."

 

2. Is there a difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal? 

The terms "legal assistant" and "paralegal" are interchangeable just like the terms "lawyer" and "attorney." 

3. Is there a difference between paralegal and a legal secretary?

Typically, legal secretaries are responsible for clerical and administrative tasks. In contrast, a paralegal (while likely assuming some of those secretarial tasks) will also work on substantive legal work. For example, a litigation paralegal might draft pleadings- conduct client interviews; work on investigations; prepare correspondence; review and summarize depositions and interrogatories; conduct limited legal research; and maintain and organize computer files. A real estate paralegal might prepare all closing documents and conduct closings. A probate paralegal might draft probate documents. In short, because of their training and experience, paralegals are able to assist attorneys in actually performing legal services. Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals bill their time to the clients on an hourly basis.

Because paralegals are not attorneys, they are restricted by legal and ethical considerations: they cannot give legal advice, represent a client in court, set a fee, or accept a case. 

4. Is it difficult to find a job in Central Florida as a paralegal? 

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has rated the paralegal profession as one of the fastest growing professions in this country. In Central Florida this statistic seems to be holding true. Our annual surveys of our graduates indicate that the majority of them find work as paralegals within six months of graduating from Valencia's program. 

Since Valencia's Paralegal Program is the oldest paralegal training program in Central Florida and is also accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ("SACS") and approved by the American Bar Association ("ABA'), local attorneys are quite familiar with the quality of Valencia's program. They understand that Valencia's graduates are well trained and the graduates have an excellent understanding of the role of a paralegal in a law practice.

5. What do paralegals make in Central Florida? 

While obviously every legal practice differs, a recent survey of our graduates indicate that someone graduating from Valencia's Paralegal Studies Program can expect to earn an annual salary of between $25,000 and $35,000 (with benefits) in their first year as a paralegal. Like any other job, as paralegals gain experience they can expect their salaries to increase.

6. What employment opportunities are available to paralegals? 

The largest number of employment opportunities for paralegals exist in private law firms. Many paralegals, however, work in other employment settings. For example, many paralegals work within the court system. They also work for corporations, insurance companies, government offices, administrative agencies, hospitals, and lending institutions. Experienced paralegals may also establish their own businesses, working for attorneys on a contractual basis.

7. Does it take a four year degree to become a paralegal? 

Valencia encourages all students to advance their educations to as high of a level as possible. Advanced education often equates with advanced career opportunities. 

However, graduates earning their two-year Associate in Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Valencia find gainful employment as paralegals.

Many Valencia students earn their Associate in Science Degrees and begin working as paralegals. They then finance the remainder of their educational endeavors with their paralegal salaries. 

8. Does the state of Florida regulate paralegals? 

Currently, Florida does not regulate paralegals other than enforcing the unauthorized practice of law within the state.

Since a few state legislatures across the nation are beginning to grapple with the regulation of paralegals, most people anticipate that in the future, Florida may regulate the paralegal profession. 

9. What does ABA approval mean? 

The American Bar Association (ABA) has a program of approving paralegal training programs which meet its guidelines. Seeking ABA approval is voluntary on the part of the institution.

The ABA granted "ABA Approval' to Valencia in 1999. The program will be required to seek re-approval every seven years by demonstrating continued compliance with ABA guidelines.

Students attending an ABA approved college, such as Valencia, have the assurance that their educational experience has been evaluated by the ABA and has met the standards established by this nationally-recognized entity. 

10. Do students need to take any standardized test upon graduation? 

Presently, there is no mandatory certification for paralegals. However, the certification issue has been a subject of considerable interest among paralegal associations, bar associations, and some state legislatures.

The National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc, sponsors an optional certification exam known as the Certified Legal Assistant Exam (CLA). For more information, see www.nala.org.

In addition to the CLA and CLAS designations, the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. began administering an optional three hour exam for CLA's who want to demonstrate their knowledge of Florida law. If paralegals pass this exam, they can add the title "CFLA" to their designations.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. offers another optional exam called the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination (PACE). For more information, see www.paralegals.org.

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