Are you looking to find out how to become a certified paralegal in Florida? Have you ever asked yourself — How do I become a paralegal in Florida?
The good news is that there are no Florida paralegal requirements, in terms of education and training. Paralegals generally choose to obtain additional credentials offered by state-level oversight agencies and organizations.
However, it is important to note that most paralegal-employers prefer to hire professionals who have chosen to enroll in (and complete) one of the paralegal training programs in Florida. The reality is, hiring managers and employers prefer to hire job candidates that have completed one of the Florida paralegal certificate programs — this holds especially true for those certificate programs accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
How to Become a Paralegal in Florida?
Simply follow these steps to find gainful employment as a paralegal –
- First, spend time researching how to become a certified paralegal in Florida — using the many online education informational websites and services.
- Next, with the above-noted research complete, learn how to become a paralegal in Florida with specialized training/certification credentials.
- Then, enroll in (and complete) an American Bar Association-approved paralegal training program that complies with the Florida certified paralegal requirements.
- After graduation, begin to work in the paralegal field as an intern (often offered as a part of the training course), as an entry-level paralegal, or as a volunteer. A paralegal license in Florida is not required!
When ready (with enough work experience under your belt), investigate how to obtain specialized State of Florida paralegal certification and begin the process.
Florida Certified Paralegal Requirements/Paralegal Certification in Florida
Those students interested in pursuing a paralegal education/career have the option of enrolling in one of the paralegals licensed Florida programs available with the following course delivery formats –
- On-campus.
- Online.
- A hybrid format of both online and on-campus programs.
A state of Florida paralegal certification credential, however, is offered by the Florida Bar Association. The certificate is known as the Registered Paralegal Credential. The Registered Paralegal credential is entirely voluntary on the part of the Paralegal Professional; however, this credential often sets a paralegal apart from his or her competition. The paralegal requirements Florida Bar requires applicants to meet one of these educational or certification guidelines.
Education Criteria for Paralegal Training in Florida
A paralegal applicant must have completed –
An ABA-approved paralegal program, with a minimum of one year of professional paralegal experience. If necessary, volunteer to meet the paralegal requirements Florida mandates.
Or
A baccalaureate degree program from an accredited school, plus three years of professional work experience.
Or
An associate degree program from an accredited school, plus four years of professional work experience.
Or
An ABA-approved Juris Doctorate degree program, and one year of professional work experience.
Certification Criteria for Paralegal Training in Florida
A paralegal applicant must have completed –
The PACE test (the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam) is administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Or
The Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal exam is administered by the NALA.
Other Florida Paralegal Certificate Programs/ Paralegal Professional Organizations
The paralegal profession includes professional oversight organizations at the national level, as well as Florida-based oversight organizations dedicated to the industry. Each organization sets forth its own Florida paralegal requirements. Professional organizations offer excellent resources for paralegal professionals, in terms of networking, education, mentorship, and job boards, among other benefits. Check out the following professional organizations in the Sunshine State of Florida.
- The Florida Bar
- The Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc.
- The South Florida Paralegal Association
- The Central Florida Paralegal Association
- The Florida Alliance of Paralegal Associations
So, there you have it. The answer to the question — How do I become a paralegal in Florida?
Good luck!
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