Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Chippewa Falls WI and start your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. But in order to achieve your success, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? Some prospective students begin by trying to find schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school ought to be taken into consideration also. Later in this article we will review a list of questions that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine 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 choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Chippewa Falls WI lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their routine tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially 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 start your career as a paralegal in Chippewa Falls WI is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be a good option for those living in Chippewa Falls WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover 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 certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Chippewa Falls WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add 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 previously discussed, there are other significant issues 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 schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Chippewa Falls WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Chippewa Falls WI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Chippewa Falls WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ 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. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Chippewa Falls WI region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Chippewa Falls WI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Chippewa Falls WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Chippewa Falls
Choose the Best Chippewa Falls Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step toward 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 privacy and comfort of your Chippewa Falls residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin.
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