Paralegal Studies Program
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Beloit Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Beloit WI and begin your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you find the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of educational alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Beloit 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 duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, 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 Beloit WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more popular and can be an excellent option for students living in Beloit WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Beloit 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 particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin 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 also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Beloit WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Beloit WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Beloit WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Beloit WI area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Beloit WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Beloit WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Beloit
Choose the Right Beloit Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the right paralegal studies training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Beloit home. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Beloit Wisconsin.
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