Paralegal Schools in Tallahassee, FL
Becoming a paralegal is, for many, an alternative to the seven to eight years of expensive schooling involved in becoming a lawyer that still allows them to have a rewarding career in the legal field.
Although not allowed by law to technically practice law an experienced paralegal often works in every aspect of their supervising attorney's practice, whatever that might be. As the law is broad and varied fields, the career possibilities for a good paralegal are almost endless. This article will give you more information and an in-depth analysis into the best paralegal schools in Tallahassee.
Featured Paralegal Programs in Florida
Paralegal Job Outlook and Salaries in Tallahassee
The salary potential for paralegals in Tallahassee, FL is good as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a Tallahassee, FL paralegal in 2020 was $51,130. Less experienced paralegals can expect to command less, an average of $34,000, but the most experienced paralegal professionals are paid upwards of $82,000 per annum on average.
The job outlook is also good, with paralegal employment in the State of Florida expected to grow 3.5% between 2019 and 2029. As paralegals can work in all kinds of law practices, as well as with government agencies, non-profits and even teach in schools it is a career path that is never likely to become boring either.
Requirements to be a Paralegal in Florida
While there is no legal educational or licensing requirement for paralegals in the State of Florida, almost all employers prefer to hire those with a formal education at least diploma level, with most large law firms giving preference to those with a formal degree in paralegal studies.
Paralegal Schools in Tallahassee
Tallahassee Community College
AS Degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies
Tallahassee Community College is a traditional community college serving area residents and offering a wide range of affordable and comprehensive vocational programs and Associate Degree programs.
The school offers those interested in a career as a paralegal the chance to obtain a AS Degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies that will give them a strong overview of the knowledge and skills needed to work as an entry level paralegal in most branches of the law.
This is a traditional five semester degree program that also calls for the completion of several general education courses in addition to legal study modules. Many of the courses are conveniently offered in the evenings on campus and/or online, making this a hybrid offering that may suit those who are already working.
To be admitted to the program students must go through a standard college admissions process, and can, if they qualify, take advantage of Federal financial aid to fund their studies. The 64-credit course is charged on a per credit basis, with the 2021 per credit rate for Tallahassee residents charged according to their personal circumstances and eligibility for grants and tuition forgiveness.
Estimated tuition costs is $6,453.12.
Southern Regional Technical College
Associates of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Southern Regional Technical College is a private, for profit school that offers over 150 certificate and Associate's Degree programs in a wide range of subjects.
For students interested in becoming a paralegal, the school offers a campus based five semester Associates of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. The program gives graduates the knowledge and skills needed to work as an entry level paralegal in a wide range of settings and includes a practical internship with a local employer as arranged by the school.
To be admitted, students must be over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and meet minimum educational requirements, especially in English and Math. In 2021 the total cost of the degree program is around $15,000, although a student's personal circumstances may reduce or increase that figure.
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify, as are a limited number of grants offered by the school directly to certain students based on various demographic factors. A meeting with the school is required to determine what each individual student's costs will be.