Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Cudahy Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Cudahy WI, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some prospective students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Cudahy WI attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with 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 day-to-day activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number 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 educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Cudahy WI is by obtaining a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require 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 comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in Cudahy WI searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Cudahy WI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Cudahy WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Cudahy WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Cudahy WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Cudahy WI region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Cudahy WI. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Cudahy WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Cudahy
Enroll in the Best Cudahy Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies degree school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Cudahy home. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior 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. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Cudahy Wisconsin.
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