Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Right One Near Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Chippewa Falls WI, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered also. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives 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. On the other hand, 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 help Chippewa Falls WI lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, 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 firm may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their day-to-day activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Chippewa Falls WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the profession 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining 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 Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Chippewa Falls WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Chippewa Falls WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Chippewa Falls WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Chippewa Falls WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Chippewa Falls WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Chippewa Falls WI region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, 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 as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Chippewa Falls WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Chippewa Falls WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Chippewa Falls
Enroll in the Best Chippewa Falls Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate program 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 option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Chippewa Falls residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to examine each program and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin.
Chippewa Falls Paralegal Studies | Chippewa Falls Paralegal Schools