Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Best One Near Ashwaubenon Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Ashwaubenon WI, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. But in order to achieve your success, it’s essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many options? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you need to take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Ashwaubenon WI lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their everyday activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Ashwaubenon WI is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Ashwaubenon WI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Ashwaubenon WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, for instance 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 properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Ashwaubenon WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Ashwaubenon WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Ashwaubenon WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Ashwaubenon WI region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Ashwaubenon WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Ashwaubenon WI, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Ashwaubenon
Enroll in the Best Ashwaubenon Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal degree school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Ashwaubenon residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your final decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Ashwaubenon Wisconsin.
Ashwaubenon Paralegal Studies | Ashwaubenon Paralegal Schools