Paralegal Studies School
How to Choose the Best One Near Eau Claire Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Eau Claire WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account also. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job roles and functions, just 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 Eau Claire WI lawyers with a wide variety 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 practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers 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 complex and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage 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 perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Eau Claire WI is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more popular and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Eau Claire WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Eau Claire WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate 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 crucial aspects to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive 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 obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Eau Claire WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Eau Claire WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Eau Claire WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask 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 indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Eau Claire WI area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Eau Claire WI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Eau Claire WI, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Eau Claire
Enroll in the Right Eau Claire Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Eau Claire home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Eau Claire Wisconsin.
Eau Claire Paralegal Certificate | Eau Claire Paralegal Degrees