Paralegal Studies School
How to Pick the Best One Near Brookfield Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Brookfield WI and start your journey that will result in a rewarding career in legal services. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic alternatives are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's take 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
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Brookfield WI attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. 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 practice could help with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their daily tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume 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 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 paralegal in Brookfield WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected 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 program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Brookfield WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Brookfield WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Brookfield WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Brookfield WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Brookfield WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask 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 corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Brookfield WI region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Brookfield WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Brookfield 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 select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Brookfield
Choose the Right Brookfield Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the right paralegal degree school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Brookfield home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Brookfield Wisconsin.
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