Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Allouez Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Allouez WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Many potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one prior to making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Allouez WI attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their everyday tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Allouez WI is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Allouez WI searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Allouez WI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Allouez WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Allouez WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Allouez WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Allouez WI area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Allouez WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Allouez WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Allouez
Choose the Best Allouez Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Allouez residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Allouez Wisconsin.