Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Baraboo Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Baraboo WI and start your journey that will lead to a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you find the right program so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right school with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Baraboo WI lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Baraboo WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Baraboo WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Baraboo WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Baraboo WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick 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 several Baraboo WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Baraboo WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. 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 wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Baraboo WI area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Baraboo WI. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Baraboo WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Baraboo
Enroll in the Best Baraboo Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Baraboo home. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Baraboo Wisconsin.
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