Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Best One Near Appleton Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Appleton WI and begin your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need. More and more educational options are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? A number of potential students start by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account too. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Appleton WI lawyers with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their daily activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Appleton WI is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the profession 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Appleton WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Appleton WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Appleton WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Appleton WI law practices 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 exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Appleton WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Appleton WI area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Appleton WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Appleton WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Appleton
Choose the Best Appleton Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Appleton residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Appleton Wisconsin.
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