March 21, 2007 by Eneida Alcalde Local Education Columnist
Miami, Florida is a cultural melting pot. Spanish is spoken as much as English and most people are bilingual. Do you like the thought of living near beaches, practicing your Spanish daily, and eating some delicious food? Miami's lively, multicultural environment will certainly capture your interest while its local colleges provide you with a high-quality paralegal education.
Paralegal Studies
There are many ways to become certified as a paralegal, and Miami offers plenty of options. The most common route to paralegal certification is an associate's degree in paralegal studies at one of Miami's local colleges. If you already have a college degree, another popular way into the paralegal field is by completing a paralegal studies certification program. Some local colleges even offer a bachelor's or master's in paralegal studies.
Miami's paralegal programs will prepare you to:
- Accurately document and present research and opinions
- Understand legal terminology
- Develop good research and investigative skills
- Use computer technology for legal research and litigation support
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that paralegals and legal assistants held about 224,000 jobs in 2004. It projects that the employment of paralegals will increase by 27 percent or more over the next few years. After earning your paralegal degree, you can support your experience with an internship in one of Miami, Florida's many law firms, from large international practices to tiny, high-end boutique firms.
If the thought of Miami's beautiful beaches, warm sun, and dynamic nightlife appeal to you, a paralegal degree in Florida's premier cosmopolitan center might be a good idea. So research Miami's local colleges to see which paralegal program best suits you and your career goals.
Sources
About the Author Eneida P. Alcalde works in Washington, DC and has written several grants, educational manuals, and promotional material for development organizations. Eneida holds a B.A. in international politics and Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University. |